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Date: |
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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy Colchester Dolphin brooch, dating to the 1st/ 2nd century, between AD 43 - 200 (length: 38.5mm; width at wings: 21.5mm; thickness/ depth: 15mm; weight: 8.9g).The brooch is T-shaped in plan and most D-shaped in section. The semi-cylindrical wings (length of wing at either side of head: 5.5mm) are undecorated with the iron axis bar visible at either side. The length of the bow (from the head and continuing down by 32mm towards the incomplete opposing terminal) is centrally decorated with a recessed area that gradually tapers inwards to form a point. At the top of the bow at the widest part of the recessed area (3.5mmm) and slightly below, there appears to be small crude and irregular crescent shape markings as a form of decoration. Additionally, there are possible decorative linear markings that head down the length of the bow to either side of this area. There is no other decoration on the bow, which tapers down to an incomplete and stumped point at the end.At the back of the brooch, the iron axis bar and spring mechanism are clearly visible, although it is difficult to identify the number of turns to the mechanism due to the corrosion. The pin, which would have probably been made of iron too, is completely missing. There is no decoration on the back of the brooch and due to the incomplete bow, only a part of the integral cast copper alloy catchplate remains. The pin (when originally present) would have fastened into the curved catchplate (when complete) to hold the brooch to an item of clothing. Overall, the artefact is in a worn and poor condition with a dark green patina. There is also a substantial amount of corrosion and bronze disease present on one of the wings as well as along the sides of the bow.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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