Romano-Celtic 'Brigantian' Enamelled Bronze Dragonesque Brooch

Complete with swivel bar and pin to reverse; the cruciform body composed of four bulbous arms with concave reverses and domed centre; Type 2Bb2. 17.1 grams, 23 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-4EFFC6.

Designated 'a find of note' by the PAS and 'potential for inclusion in Britannia'. The PAS record also states: 'The style of the brooch suggests an Iron Age date but it is a very unusual style of brooch and no comparisons could be found in any of Hattatt's publications. There are two similar brooches recorded on the database; BUC-ED2437 is very similar, and WAW-DD1642 is also a related type. In this record, it is noted that the brooch style shares decorative similarities to the hangers from a chatelaine/distributor from Giubiasco, Switzerland (Jope, E.M. 2000 Early Celtic Art in the British Isles Clarendon Press Oxford, p. 285 No. 225 h).' The production of brooches began in around the 5th century B.C. This 'Vale' type has only been recognised as a regional type relatively recently.

One terret post comprising a slightly domed rectangular plate and projecting arm with domed terminal, suspension arm below; an eye-shaped slider with punched ring-and-dot motif to centre, suspension arm to reverse. 68 grams total, 32-51 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

Modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic detailing, curly tail, coat detailing; recess to back for possible use as a cosmetic grinder. 54 grams, 60 mm



British private collection, acquired between 1994-2015.