Silver, 6.26 grams, 38.57 mm. 2nd-3rd century AD. The Roman 'sandal sole' brooch is a northern European type of plate brooch, with a hinged pin and a chain loop at the heel. The shape mimics the outline of a military sandal sole with studs in place. The narrow outer border contains a panel of black-streaked red enamel; the toe is unusual in being very narrow and pointed whereas most types are rounded, and the studs are silver instead of the usual glass. The pin and catchplate are both present on the reverse. Reference: Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987 p.220-1, item 1142. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, found in 1984 and recorded with Scunthorpe Museum by Kevin Leahy. This item is accompanied by an XRF ancient metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd.