Copper-alloy, 6.51 grams, 26.41 mm. 2nd-3rd century AD. A thick (about 3.5mm) cast brooch in the form of four 'L' shapes forming a hooked cross, swastika or 'crux gemmata', a popular symbol used by the Roman military. Each arm of the cross is deeply chamfered, hollow and slightly expanded at the angle. The catchplate is intact on the reverse; the pin-lug is mostly present. Reference: Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987 p. 222 item 1145. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.