5th-6th century AD. An unusual form of button brooch with the face cast in the half-round and the surrounding flange reduced to a thick border; catchplate and pin-lug to the reverse. Cf. Avent, R. & Evison, V.I. Anglo-Saxon Button Brooches in Archaeologia, vol.CVII, 1982, plate XVIII, item 40.1. 3.07 grams, 16mm (3/4"). From an old English collection. The narrow flange is present on a handful of such brooches; the present item most resembles the example from Blandford published by Avent and Evison. The helmeted face is clearly visible but the lack of the dished flange has allowed the surface to wear more than is usual; the gilding is substantially intact.

Very fine condition. Excessively rare.