Saxon/Visigothic Radiate-Headed Bronze Brooch 5th-6thC

Description

Heading: Visigothic Type, Saxon, Radiate-Headed Bronze Brooch

Material: Copper alloy (bronze)

Period: Saxon 

Date: 5th-6th century

Origin: Germanic tribes (Visigothic) later Saxon

Condition: Fine, pin missing but catch-plate an lug present

Description: D-shaped head-plate with five knops, straight bow a footplate; decorated with billeted border and enclosed cross-hatching; small catch-plate to reverse, pin missing; some corrosion and ferrous encrustation from corroded pin

Size and Weight: 90mm x 46mm, 29g

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

Features and Provenance: Ex TimeLine sale

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 slightly more flamboyant nature, but also as it has been found in high-status female burials in southern England including East Anglia. This brooch is relatively heavy compared to some, and due to its more robust nature, was probably used for a cloak rather than on a dress. The pin has unfortunately corroded away, as this was, similar to many Celtic, Roman and Saxon fibulae, usually made from iron and was the first metal to disintegrate.

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