Frankish Bronze Beast Facing Back Plate Brooch
6th century A.D. Formed as a hippocampus with s-shaped body, central band of chip-carved zigzags, triangular ear and chevron mouth, crescentic leg beneath the body; three dots to the head; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. Cf. example from Mill Hill, Kent, in Brugmann, B., The Role of Continental Artefact-Types in Sixth Century Kentish Chronology, in Hines, J. et al., The Pace of Change, Studies in Early Medieval Chronology, Oxford, 1999, fig.3.4, phase II; similar S-shaped fibulas from Marchélepot, France, in Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VIII.17.17.5.59 grams, 25.75 mm (1 in.). Found Brisly, Norfolk, UK.[No Reserve]