File:Early Medieval Brooch (FindID 550308).jpg

English: An incomplete cast lead alloy object, possibly a fragment of a brooch dating from the early Early Medieval period (AD 400 - 600). The brooch is possibly a small square-headed type, but this identification is uncertain due to the fragmentary nature of the object. The fragment is roughly rectangular in plan with two original edges at a right angle, forming the outer edge of the object, and two broken edges. It is slightly bent and distorted, this was probably caused when it was broken. The front face of the object has relief decoration consisting of three equally spaced lines running perpendicular to the edge of the object. Surrounded by these lines is a small rectangular cell containing four raised lead alloy pellets. There are a number of irregular scratches on the reverse surface of the object. The object has a medium grey patina. See similar examples in the Ashmolean Catalogue, MacGregor and Bolick (1993), pages 122 - 123, cat nos. 14.4-14.9.

As the object is made of lead alloy, rather than copper alloy, and the decoration appears to be cast rather than chip-carved or incised, this is not a standard example of this type of brooch. Small square-headed brooches are also almost always gilded, and there is no trace of gilt on this example. Other lead alloy brooches have been interpreted as grave goods rather than dress accessories, but it could also be a less expensive version of a standard brooch.

With no evidence of a pin, this fragment could also be from a mount or other object.