Anglo-Saxon cast gilt copper-alloy small square-headed brooch. Found at Exton, Hampshire. 7th century date. Rectangular head-plate (damaged on one edge), raised rectangular moulding flattened on surface. There are a series of crescentic stamps around the periphery. The rectangular moulding encloses two horizontal mouldings with triangular sections. Very gently arched bow; carinated in front, flat behind; divided vertically, each field enclosing a raised vertical line with repeated incised horizontal lines, within an oblong recess. Expanded foot, tapering in outline towards the terminal; within a central lozenge-shaped moulding encloses a solid lozenge. The outer angles have a punched circular stamp at their ends. In the upper angles of the foot-plate are rudimentary Style I animal heads. The Terminal is square and has eight annulets stamped around the periphery. Single hinge with much iron corrosion; catch intact. Pin missing. High quality gilding survives in the recessed areas.
Small square-headed brooch
Anglo-Saxon, 7th century AD
Found by a metal detectorist at Exton, Hamsphire in 2002
A cast gilt copper-alloy small square-headed brooch. High quality gilding now only survives in the recessed areas. Decorated with raised moulding, punched circular and cresent-shaped stamps, and rudimentary stylised animal heads. On the back the catch is intact, and there is a single hinge with much iron corrosion, presumably all that remains of the brooch pin. This brooch would have been both a decorative piece of jewellery and a functional item to secure clothing.
Portable Antiquities Scheme find number HAMP1796.
