Copper alloy, 23.22 grams, 62.15 mm. Circa 7th century AD. An unusual type of disc-on-bow brooch typical of Gotland and the eastern Baltic from the 7th century, before the political consolidation of the 8th century gave rise to the Viking expansion westwards. Similar brooches were in use in Kent in the 6th century, of more complex construction. This example has a rectangular headplate with horizontal ribbed decoration in the upper field, lateral cabochon mounts and a rhomboid panel above the shallow, plain bow. A central piercing was designed to accommodate a separate disc casting with geometric ornament. The footplate consists of a central column with ridged detailing, flanked by two opposed birds’ heads on drooping necks which emerge below the bow and rejoin at the base of the column above a circular terminal which originally held a cabochon or organic inlay. Reference: Smith, A. The British Museum Guide to Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, London, 1923, p.165 fig.219 and cf. Hawkes, S.C. The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Bifrons in Anglo-Saxon Studies in Archaeology and History, vol.11, Oxford, 2000, grave 41 item 4. Very fine condition.