Copper-alloy, gilt, 3.07 grams, 16.36 mm. 5th-6th century AD. An unusual form of button brooch with the face cast in the round and the surrounding flange reduced to a thick border. This feature is present on a handful of such brooches; the present brooch most resembles the example from Blandford published by Avent and Evison. The helmeted face is clearly visible but the lack of the dished flange has allowed the surface to wear more than is usual; the gilding is substantially intact. The catchplate and pin-lug are present on the reverse. Reference: Avent, R. & Evison, V.I. Anglo-Saxon Button Brooches in Archaeologia, vol.CVII, 1982, plate XVIII item 40.1. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.