ROMAN BROOCH

50

An incomplete copper-alloy Roman brooch probably of T-shaped type, dating from the first to second century AD. The brooch is miniature and of a simplified style, with the remains of a cylindrical head, followed by a narrowed neck, which then widens quickly to wider, curved shoulders, tapering to a point; the brooch has a gently curving profile with a fragment of the upper portion of the catchplate visible on the reverse. A small notch in the cylindrical head holds the remains of an iron hinge pin, which is still held in place on the reverse with an iron axial pin. Iron corrosion on the outer face of the brooch in this position confirms that the remaining fragment of the axial pin is also composed of iron, rather than copper alloy. No surface decoration remains as the surface of the brooch is significantly worn; a large degree of the brooch head, lower body and foot with catchplate are missing, in addition to the rest of the pin.