Roman Bronze Openwork Disc Brooch

Incised with a palm frond within a hatched border, hatching to three of the side edges. 14.5 grams, 26 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Comprising: an iron Alesia-type brooch with deep tapering bow, long foot with recurved integral knop, curled hinge; the type of Gaulish origin; mounted on a custom-made display panel stand with Hattatt collection description and further information on a label to the reverse; inked collection number to the reverse of the bow; the other a bronze trumpet brooch with moulded arc decorations on the head, sprung pin moving freely, tapering body with acanthus motif; horizontal ribbing and zigzag motifs, plain underfoot; retaining swivel chain loop with traces of red enamel; collection number to the reverse of the bow. 25.6 grams total, 63-70 mm (82 grams total, 85 mm high including stand)



Alesia type found near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK; trumpet type found in Northamptonshire, UK.

Hattatt remarks of the Alesia brooch: 'In remarkably fine condition for iron, this could well have been worn by one of the Roman invaders.'

Composed of graduated black glass and faience beads of various types, including biconical, carinated, oblate, annular and other types; restrung. 12.6 grams, 81 cm long



Ex W.J. collection, 1990s.