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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy Roman brooch of Polden Hill type (AD 75 - AD 175). Overall length: 33.8mm; overall width: 17.1mm. Weight: 5.89g.The semi-cylindrical wings which have perforated end caps with a single vertical moulded rib each side of the bow head. The perforations in the end caps secure a copper alloy axis bar around which is wound an almost complete copper alloy wire spring of eight coils. The wire would have extended from the rear of the brooch to form a pin which is missing. The wire of the spring also forms the external chord which passes through a perforated lug at the head of the bow. However, part of the chord is missing. This method of securing the chord within a lug restricted the movement of the spring around the axis bar and created tension to enable the pin to press firmly against the catch-plate. The lug, situated at the head of the bow, forms part of a central moulded rib that extends about 1/3 of the way down the length of the bow. This central rib is flanked on either side by an additional rib. The bow is slender and strongly arched when viewed from the side. In side view, the lower half of the bow expands to form a sub-triangular catch-plate. The curled over part of the catch-plate is almost intact. There is no step between the bow and catch-plate.The wings, bow and catch-plate have a light green patina and the spring and chord are generally corroded.Bayley and Butcher (2004, 159) explain that the Polden Hill type of brooch, '...exhibits a distinctive method of attaching the spring: it is carried in a semi-cylindrical crossbar which has closed ends to secure the axial rod, while the chord is held by a hook or crest on the head.' Worrell (2007) dates Polden Hill brooches to AD75-175. Bayley and Butcher (ibid. 160) state that the main development of this type appears to have taken place in the West Midlands and that more recent finds have confirmed a concentration in this area.
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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