Rare Ancient Roman Zoomorphic Duck Brooch with Enamel Inlay, 100–200AD, England. PAS-Recorded, British Museum Database.

Discover a truly exceptional piece of Romano-British craftsmanship: a three-dimensional duck brooch with outstretched wings, dating from the early 2nd century, circa 100–200 AD (1,825-1,925 years ago).
Crafted from copper alloy and inlaid with vivid red and striking blue enamel, this rare zoomorphic brooch retains much of its original color, with the blue enamel remarkably intact after nearly 2,000 years underground. The bird’s back features six engraved grooves, beautifully inlaid, while the shoulders and neck are accented with delicate enamel cells — details rarely seen in surviving Roman brooches.

Discovered by a metal detectorist in Lincolnshire, England, this brooch was recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS: LIN-0C1984), managed by the British Museum, and documented in the UK’s national archaeological record, providing independent verification of authenticity, age, and provenance. Acquired legally and recorded, it carries both its archaeological significance and personal story of discovery.

As noted by the PAS, most Roman “duck” brooches show the bird swimming; this spread-wing example is exceptionally unusual. The only known parallel is documented in Hattatt’s ‘A Visual Catalogue of Ancient Brooches’, p.361, No. 622.

View the official record of this broach on the PAS website using this link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/502738

Specimen Details:

Age/period: Circa 100–200 AD (early Roman period), 1,825-1,925 years ago)

Origin / Findspot: Lincolnshire, East Midlands, England

Discovery Date: April 4th, 2012

Length: 26.5 mm

Width: 31.7 mm

Thickness: 9 mm

Weight: 7.9 g

Material: Copper alloy with red/blue enamel inlay 

Condition: Virtually intact, with only the original pin missing. Minor wear to the bird’s head, tapering to unpatinated metal. Hollow reverse with part of the catchplate and pin lug preserved.

This brooch is more than just an ancient fashion statement, it’s a museum-quality display piece, combining exceptional unique craftsmanship, verified provenance, and an exceptionally rare design, making it a standout highlight in any serious collection.