Roman, bronze Skeumorphic Axe brooch, 2nd century AD, 5cm x 2cm, sturdy continental type with a straight shaft and knobbed terminals with a deep catch plate (cf. Hattatt 1630). Some encrustation, otherwise fine £60-£80

bt Chris Rudd

Axe brooches are scarce and may be associated with Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, and from whom the word ‘volcano’ is derived.