4th century AD. A silver crossbow brooch comprising a hexagonal-section crossbar with knop finials and flange collars, loops to the upper face, deep square-section bow with band of niello triangles, pierced to accept a rivetted collared knop, parallel-sided footplate with three volute scrolls to each edge, catch to the reverse. Cf. Hattatt, R. Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985, item 505, for type. 17 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). From the property of an Essex private collector; acquired in the early 1990s.