File:Early Early Medieval, Incomplete button brooch (FindID 988868).jpg

English: An incomplete gilded copper alloy button brooch of early early Medieval dating (Anglo-Saxon, c. 450-550).

Around 50% of the brooch is present. The walls and pin are missing. The brooch comprises a circular base with incomplete angled walls (turned outwards) surrounding it. The base depicts an anthropomorphic face within a concentric raised rib, a central T-shape to represent the nose and brow ridge, and a broad inverted-V below to represent a moustache. Below and flanking this latter element is a narrow rib and the base of the face. To either side of the trunk of the T-shape a triangular raised eye sits in the corner with the cross-bar of the T-shape. Filling the rest of the area are three diagonal raised ribs. Above the cross-bar of the T-shape is an elongated crescentic area representing the top of the head.

On the reverse a rectangular lug (4.3 x 2.2 mm) projects 3.1 mm at 12 o'clock; the catchplate measures 5.8 x 2.1 and is 2.4 mm tall. and is situated at 6 o'clock.

The brooch measures 17.3 mm in length, 15.7 mm wide and 6.4 mm thick (including catchplates). The brooch is 3.1 mm thick. It weighs 3.3 g.

The brooch is a mid green colour with an even surface patina.

Button brooches are distinguished by their small size and by the anthropomorphic face-masks which they feature. They may have been used in different ways as dress fasteners. It is thought that they may have been used singly rather than in pairs like the similar but larger saucer brooches. Button brooches are found throughout much of southern England and date between the later fifth and mid-sixth centuries.