Iron Age Bronze Birdlip Type Brooch

$107.42

An Iron Age bronze Birdlip type brooch featuring a long narrow body and a small trumpet head, both crossed by a central rib. An arched return extends above the head, whilst a curled tongue, characteristic of Birdlip brooches, projects forwards behind it. The pin is attached by a spring at the head of the bow and sits in the pin catch, now fixed. 

This piece was found in Lincolnshire in the 1980s.

Date: Circa early 1st century AD
Provenance: From a Surrey gentleman's collection (D.G.), purchased on the London Art market from ADA member, 1990s - onwards.
Condition: Good condition. The pin is now locked. Signs of ageing and wear consistent with age; patination remains on the surface.

In stock

SKU: MG-258 Category: Tag:

Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. Most pins were produced from bronze or iron however, precious metals such as gold have been used, owned by those of a higher status to demonstrate their wealth and power.

The brooch itself can take many different forms and decorations, birdlip type brooches derived from continental brooches, attesting a local, native British adaptation of fibula design. Characterised by a small trumpet head, they are especially distinguished by a projecting flange above it. They appear to have been a short-lived variation, with the vast majority having been recovered around the South-East coast of Britain, possibly indicating a Gallic influence on their design.

Weight 13.6 g
Dimensions L 6.1 x W 2.8 cm
Culture

Region

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Metal

Reference: For a similar item, please see The British Museum, item 1915,1208.90

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