100-300 AD. Roman. A silvered bronze brooch with a large, openwork pelta-shaped head plate, circular bow and flaring terminal; a coiled spring and catch-plate are preserved on the reverse. Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. Cf. Richard Hattatt. 2000. A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books. Excellent condition.Size: L:23mm / W:29mm ; 10.2g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent.