5th century AD. A cast bow brooch in the form of a dolphin; discoid headplate with incised arches and points, knop finial above, pin-lug to the reverse; D-section bow with face and fin detail, two inset blue glass eyes; recurved tail with hatched lateral panels, catchplate to the underside, two radiating lobes and bird-head finial with inset blue glass eyes; mounted on a custom-made stand. 39 grams, 62mm including stand (2 1/2"). From the private collection of a German gentleman; acquired prior to 1982. Cf. Johns, C. The Jewellery of Roman Britain, London, 1996, p. 169 for a brooch of similar construction and discussion; Hugh Tait, 7,000 Years of Jewellery, #498.

Very fine condition.