Copper-alloy, 12.76 grams, 35.46 mm. 5th century AD. A nice example of a very early form of cruciform brooch. The single top-knob is cast in the round, its collar joining directly to the headplate which bears an incised saltire. The bow is plain apart from facetted ends and a single cast roundel in the mid-upper section. The footplate consists of a ribbed collar above a stylized animal-head with flared nostrils. The pierced lug and catchplate are intact; the pin was lost in antiquity. The early Anglo-Saxon cruciform brooch is a derivative form of the standard Late Roman fibula, used to fasten female garments such as the peplos dress. The decorated headplate is an unusual feature at this date. Reference: MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, p.96-7 item 12.2. Very fine condition.