EARLY MEDIEVAL BROOCH

500

The upper part of a gilded cast copper alloy early medieval miniature bow brooch of 6th century date and in very good condition (apparently with a high tin content). The spring was of iron but only a small part remains. The brooch has a semi-circular headplate with originally three rounded projections, each containing a human mask facing outwards. The head plate itself is decorated with running branching scrolls ending in rounded lobes and with pellets in the field. The strongly-arched bow has a plain and flat central ridge with stiff decoration on either side.