Merovingian Bronze Brooch – Small Radiate 5th -6th Centuries

Description

Heading: Merovingian bronze brooch 5th-6th centuries

Material: Copper alloy (bronze)

Period: Merovingian dynasty 5th to 6th century

Date: 5th-6th century

Origin: Frankish and Germanic tribes 

Condition: VF with dark patina, pin missing but lug and catch-plate present

Description: A small D-shaped head-plate with thirteen radiating lobes, short flat bow section with interwoven decoration and small finial, catch-plate present but the pin has been lost as is often the case.

Size and Weight: 48mm x 24mm, 13.1g

References: cf. Hattatt’s ‘Ancient Brooches’ p 381

Features and Provenance:  This type of brooch originated in western Europe and spread during the early 5th century to Germanic tribes, to the Franks and then to Saxon England, especially to the court at Canterbury, Kent. It is believed to have been often worn by women, probably due to its flamboyant nature, but also as it has been found in high-status female burials in southern England, particularly East Anglia.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of pattern etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present, but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible