MEDIEVAL BROOCH

1000

Incomplete medieval gilt copper alloy oval framed brooch, most of the central bar missing. Set at right angles to the bar are two projections in the form of stylised animal head on long necks, both now rather distorted. Slight traces of decoration on the sloping outer face of the frame are probably of interrupted rocker-arm engraving. There is a close resemblace to a mount from London (F. Pritchard in Vince (ed.) Aspects of Saxo-Norman London: II (1991) 151-2, fig.3.34 no.107), though this present example is larger and oval rather than circular. Other examples of such mounts have been recorded in Norfolk, Barton Bendish (HER 19086), Beeston with Bittering (HER 4084), Coltishall (HER 28860), Ingham (HER 50272), Outwell (HER 41077), Stow Bardolph (HER 51164), Wiveton (HER 25862) and Wymondham (HER 37333). Another piece, from Beachamwell (HER 2635) is certainly a brooch. On it there is a pin set in a constriction next to one of the terminals. On all of these mounts and the Beachamwell brooch there is a pair of recesses on the underside of the frame. If these held separate bars all may been brooches. This example differs in that the central bar is integral. Length excluding projections 30.5mm. Width 20.5mm. 11th - 12th century. Finder's number A32.