EARLY MEDIEVAL BROOCH

450

An incomplete cast copper alloy miniature radiate-headed brooch of Early Early-Medieval date (c. AD 450 – c. AD 525). Length 41.0mm, width 17.8mm and 2.7mm thick. Weight 5.67g.The pin and spring mechanism are missing.The flat head-plate is triangular in plan and has three lobed projections, a central one at the top and one at each lower corner. The lobe at the top is convex and slightly proud at the front, whereas the lobes at the lower corners are flat. The width of the lower part of the head-plate, including the lobes, is 17.8mm. The small bow has parallel sides and is 8.0mm in length and 5.8mm in width. It is triangular in cross-section, flat at the rear. The maximum thickness of the bow is 2.7mm. The flat foot-plate is triangular in plan and has a projecting lobe at each upper corner, similar to the lobes at the lower corners of the head-plate. It has a flat discoidal terminal with a maximum diameter of 7.0mm.Each side of the head-plate is decorated with punched annulets which extend to the lobes. The sides of the foot-plate, the terminal and lobes are similarly decorated with punched annulets. The bow is undecorated. The rear face is flat excepting the lug and catch-plate. The lug is largely obscured by a conglomeration of iron corrosion. The complete catch-plate is roughly D-shaped in side profile and has iron staining on the inner face where the pin would have rested.There is no evidence for melting or burning.The copper alloy part of the artefact is in good condition and has a light green patina overall. The remains of the iron component is corroded and in poor condition.