This brooch is of an unusual form and features untypical decoration.

It has a bilateral spring pin and a narrow, strip-like foot. The terminal is stepped-in at the catch-plate. The bow is curved and its edges are frilled. The front face is decorated with lateral ridges and a saltire-style cross which may have been enamelled.

The plate brooch, which is classified using Mackreth’s typology as a 2nd century AD form PL CONT 2c, is thought to have continental origins. However, the bilateral spring on this example is an indication of British manufacture. Perhaps this brooch is an example of British brooch makers copying continental styles.