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Date: |
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Description: | A Roman (AD 200-400) copper-alloy gilt circular plate brooch, probably incomplete and missing probably five settings. To the reverse, the pin is bent to one side.The brooch measures 36.09mm in diameter, and with the pin is 39.74mm in length. It is max.10.43mm thick at the spring mechanism, otherwise the plate itself is 4.26mm thick. The brooch weighs 22.11g.The edge of the plate is c.3mm in height with a circumferential groove running around it, in which gilding survives. At the centre of the plate is a c.11x11mm square cell (internal c.8x8mm and 1.10mm deep), surrounded by a panel of decoration within a walled area c.18x18mm. The decoration consists of two flanking ridges across which are grooved elongated S-shapes, alternate directions in the two different rows. This area retains almost intact gilding.Outside the walled area, at each point of the square, is a circular cell 4.6mm in diameter (internal c.3mm diameter and c.1mm deep). At the centre of each side of the square are two raised horn-like shapes, c.4mm wide at the base and narrowing to a point, each curving outward in opposite directions. Each 'horn' has a central groove (retaining gilding) terminating in a semi-circle at the base (which retains gilding). The area surrounding these raised areas contains intact gilding. The only places where gilding has been lost is the raised edge and sides of the plate, the edge of the two square areas, the edges of the four circular settings and the top of the 'horns'. The five areas for settings (the central square and four circles) have no trace of ever being gilded, therefore they probably held a glass (or similar) setting.To the reverse of the brooch are two D-shaped lugs (spanning 11mm) holding the axis bar around which are two coils and the pin, the chord curling underneath. To the top there seems to be a possibly damaged join between the two lugs. The catchplate is aligned slightly crookedly below and is 15.61mm in height. The curl is perhaps a little damaged. Around both catchplate and spring mechanism traces of the original patina are visible as a dull silvery colour, perhaps the remainder of tinning (or silvering).Similarity in decoration with the 'Glass-centre boss' plate brooches (in particular the 'elongated S' grooves) is indicative of a later Roman date. With thanks to Sally Worrell for the dating of this brooch.
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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