Child's Ring brooch

A typical child's ring-brooch, popular in the 13th and 14th centuries - this is a common type made in copper alloy, for either a child or poorer person, while the gold ring-brooch in the Waterford collection is the deluxe end of the market. The 13th century pedlar in an anonymous French poem also offers little brooches of gilt brass, pewter brooches for children. The oblong head on the pin indicates a late 13th century date. Such brooches were not just decorative but were used as dress fasteners at the neck.

Child

A typical child

Child

Child

A typical child

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date/period: c.1250 A.D./Anglo-Norman

inventory no.: 1999.493

collection: Waterford City Council

location: Waterford Museum of Treasures exhibition

dimensions: 20 mm diameter

provenance: Found in excavations of Waterford city centre 1986-1992

material: copper alloy

Further Reading:

Late Viking Age & Medieval Waterford Excavations 1986-1992. ISBN 1 872002 98 6

Related items:

• Waterford kite brooch
• Waterford ring brooch