6th century AD. A cruciform brooch of the later 'florid' form with highly decorative openwork border to the headplate formed as a rectangular median plate with lateral wings, enhanced with punched-pellet detail to the sides and top edge of each; raised central square panel; to the middle of each edge a Style I human mask in plan, formed as a T-shaped brow-and-nasal with two pellet eyes, with pairs of Style I profile bird-heads with curved beaks; the bow deep with facetting at each end; the footplate rectangular with Style I lappets and punched-pellet border; the transverse collar with two rows of punched-pellet detail; the finial a Style I human mask with two columns of punched-pellet detail extending to the peltoid terminal; the overall decorative effect forming a triangular band of Style I openwork ornament broken only at the bow and terminal; to the reverse pin-lugs, ferrous stain from the pin and base of the catchplate. Published in Hammond, B. British Artefacts vol.1 - Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2009, fig.1.1.4.1-l. 112 grams, 12.5 cm (5"). Found Suffolk, UK. The staring male face on the footplate, with fierce eyes and prominent moustache, probably represents a divinity such as the thunder-god, Thunor (later Thor). TimeLine Auctions Ltd arranges printed catalogue rostrum Auctions, eAuctions and Timed Auctions where we offer antiquities, ancient artefacts / artifacts, antiques, collectibles, coins, medals and books for public sale.

Extremely fine condition. Extremely rare.