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Description: | The object is an incomplete brooch of the Headstud type. Headstud brooches date to the Roman period or 1st-2nd century AD. Hattatt (Hattatt, R 1987. Brooches of Antiquity. Oxbow: Oxford, fig.41 no. 944) has an example of a headstud brooch which is similar to the recorded object in terms of decoration, but has different spring gear. The brooch is made of cast copper alloy and is incomplete.
In plan the brooch head is sub-rectangular. The brooch has short wings which are double stepped on the front and are semi-circular in profile. On the reverse of the head, in the centre, is a single rearward facing lug. On the top of brooch head, at the centre of the wings is a single forward facing lug. The pin is now missing, however, the combination of the rearward lug and the hook suggest that the brooch had a sprung pin. In addition, traces of iron corrosion on the brooch head and inside the lug, suggest that the spring and pin were probably made of iron.
In plan the bow is sub-rectangular, while in cross-section the brooch is very narrow and sub oval. The front and reverse faces of the bow are flat while the sides of the bow are slightly rounded. In profile, the bow takes a sharp downturn from the wings and is slightly curved, before stopping abruptly. Only part of the bow remains due to break which has occurred above the catchplate. The rest of the bow is missing. The bow front is decorated by a circular headstud comprising of two concentric circles. The headstud is 7.1mm in diameter. Hattatt suggests that the headstud on his example was possibly enamelled (no.944). Although no enamel survives on the recorded object, it is possible that the headstud may once have been enamelled. Below the headstud are three sunken, rectangular cells which are approximately 5.7mm wide by 3.4mm long. The cells are now empty. It is possible however, that they may once have contained enamel or copper alloy panels. Alternatively the panels may have been left plain. The rectangular cells are bordered on each side by a single, longitudinal, incised line. The rest of the brooch is missing.
The object is in a poor condition due to abrasion and damage. It is light green in colour. With darker brown patches of iron corrosion to the reverse and the top of the bow head. The length of the object from the top of the head to the base of the bow is 29.4mm, the width across the wings is 12.8mm, the thickness across the head is 10.8mm and the weight is 8.86g. | Subjects: | Colchester Two-Piece Headstud | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Housley, Sarah - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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