File:Early-Medieval (Anglo-Saxon) Miniature Square-Headed Brooch (FindID 276855).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper alloy and gilded miniature square-headed brooch of Early-Medieval (Anglo-Saxon) date (c. 475 -c. 575).

Viewing the brooch in plan, the head-plate is sub-rectangular (14.9 x 9.1mm) and the longer side is horizontal. Part of the head-plate frame is missing. The surviving part of the head-plate frame has repetitive zig-zag punch marks. The rectangular head-plate inner panel is enclosed by a narrow raised border along the top and at each side. The inner panel within this border is decorated with evenly spaced pellets. The bow is barely arched in side profile and is about 8.5mm in length and 7.0mm wide. It has a longitudinal median swelling. The foot-plate is incomplete and has a raised cross-shaped element, although, the lower part of the cross is missing due to breaks. The upper arm of the cross has punch marks similar to those on the head-plate frame. (the side arms are largely missing). Chip carving either side of the upper arm is in abstract form. At the rear, behind the head plate, there is a single pin lug, ‘D’-shaped in side profile. At either did of the lug is the remains of coiled iron spring with the pin missing. The catch plate is incomplete and its curled-over part that retained the pin is missing due to a break.

The brooch is severely corroded. However, a mid-green patina has survived in places and traces of gilding are present in the crevices at the front.

There is no evidence for burning or melting.

Similar style brooches are published in MacGregor, A and Bolick, E. 1993.”Ashmolean Museum, Oxford: A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections”. 123-24. British Archaeological Reports, British Series 230. Oxford: Tempvs Repartvm.