Copper-alloy, 5.11 grams, 34.07 mm. 8th-9th century AD. A well-modelled caterpillar brooch with its spring lugs and catchplate intact. The surface is decorated with a series of vertical slashes or incised lines which add glitter. Caterpillar brooches are a small, multi-purpose dress fastener from the Middle Saxon period. Reference: Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1329. Published: Hammond, Brett. British Artefacts, volume 2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010. Very fine condition.