NHER 34468 (Find Spot record) - Roman brooch

November 1998. Metal detecting.
H.M. Geake (A&E) identified: Roman brooch.
Very nice zoomorphic brooch, in the form of a pouncing lion, very similar to Halstatt 1193; they may even be from the same mould, but differently trimmed and finished.
Flat with low relief and engraved decoration, white metal coated on front. A thicker mane iwth oblique engraved lines to top and bottom, with a hollow for the ear. The head is then thinner with dot eye and open jaws. The foreleg is tightly drawn up under. The chin and paw is a rounded blob. The hindquarters are more angular and schematic, but there are nicks on the hind paw (for claws) and the tail (for a tuft). Tail curled up standing erect.
On reverse is a broken catchplate, and a single pin bar lug with remain of iron bar and copper alloy pin spring (2 curls).
Roman 2nd century AD.
A. Rogerson (NLA), 18 May 1999.