Radiate head from a large Early Frankish (Saxon Period) bronze brooch. c.5th Century A.D. most unusually unearthed in Essex, featuring five radiate zoomorphic terminals projecting from the brooch head plate and which contains incised grid like pattern surrounded by double border. The head leads into a shallow bow with a central ridge flanked by chevron detailing along each side. Remnants of the pin mount remain, with some ferrous staining from the pin. Probably once silvered or gilded but now just green patinated bronze, good sound surfaces. Manufactured on the Continent and imported into Britain by Frankish tribes. Although the Franks didn't migrate to England in the same way as the Anglo-Saxons, some individuals likely travelled to the island, possibly for trade, diplomacy, or as mercenaries, a rare and unusual British find, 45mm wide x 43mm high