Copper-alloy and gilt, 56.02 grams, 76.86 mm. 3rd-4th century AD. A substantial crossbow brooch with facetted onion-shaped bulbs on the ends of the crossbar and above the junction with the bow. The pin emerges from the rear of the crossbar and is enclosed within the hollow footplate. The bow is trapezoidal in section, with punched-point detailing on the outer face. The footplate is chamfered on the outer edges with facetted leaf elements. Gilding remains on the footplate, crossbar, bow and knops. Reference: Hattatt, R. Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985 item 505. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.