MEDIEVAL BROOCH

1250

A copper-alloy Medieval annular brooch (c. 1250-c. 1350). This miniature brooch was probably circular in plan before being misshapen. It has a frame made of twisted wire. Due to corrosion it not clear whether the frame had a constriction for the pin. The copper-alloy pin is 'D'-shaped in cross-section, flat on the underside. Its tip is bent upwards and backwards through about 170°. The frame and pin are corroded and in poor condition. Minute flecks of gilding are visible on both elements under magnification. 16.2 x 9.2 x 1.9mm. Weight: 0.40g. If the frame did not possess a constriction for the pin the object would be classified as a buckle rather than a brooch (Egan and Pritchard 1991: 248).