File:13th century copper alloy brooch (FindID 116563).jpg

English: Complete cast copper alloy brooch 13th century brooch. The brooch is sub-shield shaped in plan and domed in section, in that it is a moulded design with a slightly flatter reverse. The frame is formed from two opposing figures each with both arms upraised, joined together by a trapezoidal section to complete the frame at the upper edge. The lower portion of frame is formed from the lower bodies of the figures curving down and inwards into a single leg, which are similarly joined as the hands, with a rectangular portion of frame. Beneath this rectangular portion, at the lower centre of the bottom edge of the frame is a semicircular knop.

  Each figure is wearing a four-peaked crown. Each crown has a band from which extends downwards from the centre either a moulded raised, subrectangular nose guard, or the nose itself. The eyes are simply formed from incised subrectangles. There are no other facial features. The arms are plain and squared off at the end as there has been no attempt to render hands or fingers. The torsos of the figures are moulded with a raised band that bisects them at the halfway point. The band is decorated with diagonal grooved lines. Above the band on the upper torso, the figures are moulded with tightly set raised dots, which gives the impression of mail. The lower body is plain. The legs are plain and also end squared off. However the ends are slightly narrowed and stepped giving the impression of hooves. The edge of the frame, essentially behind the legs, is decorated with diagonal incised lines, which give the impression of hair or fur. The recorder postulates that the figures may be half man half beast.
  
  When viewed head on, the left figure is pierced with two circular holes, one on top of the other, each set either side of the central band on the torso. The upper perforation holds the complete copper alloy pin. The opposite figure has a single hole set below the band on the torso, which acts as a pin rest. The reverse of the brooch is plain and slightly concave.
  
  The brooch survives in good condition with an even mid green patina. The brooch pin is brighter green. There are no traces of gilding. The brooch is 31.6mm long30.16mm wide, 4.68mm thick and weighs 11.39g.
  

A similar example, though with different figure forms was recorded in the Portable Antiquities Scheme Annual report for 2004-5, number 123. Here it is noted that that object was the first base metal example of a brooch type usually made in silver or gold. James Robinson of the British Museum suggests that a base metal version was produced for lower ranking members of society. However, a similar copper alloy brooch has been recorded from Essex (see ESS0F4B97) and the object recorded here is from Suffolk, suggesting that more examples will be coming to light.