BROOCH 511424

Description: An incomplete Roman (AD 50-150) copper alloy and enamel developed T-shaped brooch of Hull's type T132 with hinge mechanism, missing all of the enamel decoration, the head-loop, pin and most of the catchplate. The brooch measures 48.34mm in length and weighs 8.78g. The wings span 15.63mm and are tubular to the reverse with a separate flat front. This front section extends into the very worn break where the head-loop would have extended. At either end of the tubular section worn iron corrosion can be seen. To the front is possible groove decoration at the juncture between wing and bow. The bow projects forwards at a slight angle from the front of the wings (7.57mm wide) before dropping into a curve. At this point is a hollow to the reverse of the bow and a bulbous swelling to the front, very worn. From here the bow narrows from 6.75mm to 4.03mm, just above the flaring semi-circular-sectioned foot (5.67mm wide). The bow is decorated with worn moulded lozenge-shape decoration, presumably once filled with enamel. To the reverse of the bow and foot and at the centre is a ridge 22.5mm long, being all that remains of the catchplate. The Developed T-shaped brooch has a south-western spread (centred on Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire)and dates from the second half of the first century to the first half of the second century. The south-western T-shaped group further developed to incorporate elements from the Polden Hill, Trumpet and Headstud brooches. The integrally cast tab on the headloop was not always pierced, where it occurs, and therefore was not essentially functional (Bayley and Butcher, 2004, p.167).

Date: 50 - 150

Object type: BROOCH

Last import: August 15, 2017