Saxon Bronze Brooch in the Form of a Cross

Large discoid brooch with deep flange rim, tondo comprising a carinated outer panel with stamped pellet-in-triangle ornament, band of eleven running spirals inner carinated band and central voss; reverse with pin-lug and ferrous remains of the pin, hooked catch; incised concentric rings. 60.4 grams, 54 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Meysey Hampton, Gloucestershire, UK, on 19 July 2020.

It is rare to find a saucer brooch with eleven spirals in the tondo rather than the more usual five or seven, although the Brighthampton example in MacGregor and Bolick (p.42) provides a parallel. The present piece is in many respects similar to the Brighthampton examples, although it has an additional punched band inside the flange rim. The incised rings on the reverse would not normally have been seen in use, and may have been used by the maker to place the catch and lug symmetrically.

Split along the upper edge of the plate; two lobes with piercings for the attachment rivets and pellet between; central panel ornamented with two inlaid length of silver scrolled motifs; zoomorphic terminal with triangular ears, bulbous eyes and a ribbed square snout. 4.55 grams, 42.8 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

With scrolled ends and deep chip-carved median band, conical socket in the crook of each bow; hooked catch and pierced lug to reverse with remains of ferrous pin. 4.13 grams, 23 mm



Found Lancing, between Worthing and Brighton, West Sussex, UK, circa 2006. From the private collection of a West Sussex, UK, gentleman.

The S-fibula is a very popular type of small garment fastener found in Frankish areas of Continental Europe and beyond. In England, its distribution is largely confined to Kent and the south coast, but with outliers as far north as Co. Durham. The present piece is a very restrained design, beautifully executed and preserved by its high-quality gilding.