6th century AD. A parcel-gilt cast brow brooch with square headplate, shallow bow and piriform footplate; the headplate with inset cloison garnet and scrolled frame, the bow with heavy vertical ribs, the footplate with a pair of birds framing the central band, zoomorphic terminal; pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. Frankish square-headed brooch from Gondorf, Germany in Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VII.40.20. 23 grams, 80mm (3 1/4"). From an important English collection; acquired in the 1990s.

Very fine condition.