File:Roman zoomorphic plate brooch (bird) (FindID 457655).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper-alloy zoomorphic plate brooch in the form of an eagle (c. 2nd century AD). The losses are confined to the lower surface on which the pin lug is abraded and the pin lost.

The plate is flat by nature, but slightly curved in profile as a result of old damage, with the tail bent downwards somewhat in particular. The bird faces to the right with a pointed beak and a possible shallow indentation for the eye, filled with what appears to be niello. The neck of the bird curves and expands to form a wider body in which six cells are present (these lead down to the bottom of the brooch), containing traces of enamel. The inside edge of the neck of the bird curls inwards below the head, but expands outwards again to a protrusion, which represents the feet of the bird. Below this protrusion, the edge curves inwards again before expanding outwards to a platform at the bottom of the brooch where the main feathers of the bird are shown. The individual feathers are displayed as four incised lines running lengthwise down this platform. The edge then curves in and outwards again to taper to a small point, which may indicate the bird's tail. From the tail, the outside edge curves back round to the right and the head of the bird. The cells are set within a net-like framework, some of which at least appears to be nielloed. The cell closest to the head if filled with red enamel, as are the three cells towards the tail; some has been lost. The pair of cells above the feet are filled with traces of blue enamel.

The lower surface is flat, except for the pin lug and catch-plate. The pin lug, towards the tail, is semi-circular. It has abraded around its perforation, as stated above, and been bent slightly. The catch-plate, at the head end, has a length of 7.3mm and a width of 1.3mm and survives well.

Two similar examples from Norwich and Kent respectively can be found illustrated in Hattatt (2000, 361; refs. 617, 1155). Two further examples quoting these above have been recorded on this database, from North Rauceby CP (Lincolnshire) and Narford CP (Norfolk) respectively (refs. WMID-0501A1, NMS-56DB25). This brooch has a mid/dark-green patina overall but is also slightly corroded in places and is lighter as a result. As well as the bending at the feathers mentioned above, there is also a slight bend upwards at the beak.