A rare Anglo-Saxon gilded bronze button brooch of Avent's Class A(ii) with flange to the rim. The gilded surface of the brooch is decorated with a chip-carved forward-facing depiction of a fearsome warrior, surrounded by a raised circular border. This button brooch is somewhat unusual, as it is larger than most, and the stylised facemask is more detailed than usual. Remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse.
 
Circa 6th Century AD.
 
Very Fine condition. 
Diameter 20 mms (0.79 ins).
 
Provenance: Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection (part 3), Essex, UK.
 
LITERATURE: Cf. Avent, R. & Evison, V.I., Anglo-Saxon Button Brooches in Archaeologia, vol.CVII, 1982, p.79, for similar.
 
Avent's Classes A(i) and (ii) differ mainly in the details of the mouth. It is thought that button brooches like this one were used singly as dress fasteners, rather than in pairs like the similar, but larger, saucer brooches. This brooch is a wonderful example of its type with most of the original gilding remaining. The fearsome face mask, highly evocative of the art of the turbulent Migration period.