Copper-alloy, 63.05 grams, 48.99 mm. Circa late 5th to early 6th century AD. A rare matched pair of cast saucer brooches of an unusual type. The plain rim encloses a zone with a shallow ridge decorated with a ropework design of slanting transverse incisions. A series of five semicircular arms emanate from the central boss; each arm bears five longitudinal bars stemming from a transverse collar at the root. Each arm enfolds an ovoid bulb. Possibly the ‘arm’ and ‘bulb’ together form a Salin’s Style I eye-and-eyebrow motif. The central boss is surrounded by a ridge decorated with a ropework design similar to the outer ridge. Both brooches were heavily gilded, most of which remains. The catchplates and lugs are present, which vestiges of the iron pins. Reference: MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals) BAR British Series 230, 1993, p.51 item 2.43. Very fine condition. Ex the Lord McAlpine collection.