Copper-alloy, 6.30 grams, 33.58 mm. Circa late 9th - early 10th century AD. An unusual form of Anglo-Scandinavian brooch with herringbone patterning on each of the arms, enclosed within a double border. The central triangular panel is left plain. The trefoil brooch was one of the characteristic female costume accessories of the later Viking period, usually decorated with animal designs; the herringbone pattern on this example may replicate the surface of the pattern-welded sword-blade. Reference: for Anglo-Scandinavian trefoil brooches see Roesdahl, E., Graham-Campbell, J., Connor, P. & Pearson, K., The Vikings in England, Anglo-Danish Viking Project, London1981 p.26 item B8 and Read, B. Metal Artefacts of Antiquity, Vol.1, Langport, 2001, items.776-7. Published: Hammond, Brett. British Artefacts, volume 2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010. Very fine condition.