100-300 AD. Roman. A bronze brooch in a rosette shape with four openwork pelta shield cut-outs; well-preserved pin and catch plate on the reverse. Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. Cf. Richard Hattatt. 2000. A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books, p. 357, item 1623. Excellent condition; Size: L:33mm / W:35mm ; 11.5g; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.