Kentish disc brooch

Silver gilt and gold jewelled composite disc brooch (Leeds Class II, c). Diam. 4cm. A silver-gilt disc with light-and-shade rim and the usual flat border with 2 rows of nielloed triangles which are here very fine indeed. Soldered in the centre is a cloisonné pattern - the cells with gold divisions - consisting of central roundel with domed shell setting, with upstanding flat-topped cabochon garnet in gold collar with gold wire beading. Around this a band of cloisonné work, into which are half inset 3 smaller roundels with domed shell bosses and little cabochon garnets set directly into the shell on disc of chequered gold foil. Projecting from the band, and alternating with the little roundels are three sub-triangular cells. These and the majority of the cloisonné band are set with flat garnets on chequered foil. But directly inwards from the triangles are stepped cells with flat lapis lazuli settings. The remaining partitions, are straight ones inwards from the secondary bosses. One garnet is missing from one triangle, otherwise all present, except one little cabochon from one of subsidiary bosses. Remaining space on brooch filled by thin gold sheet with beaded wire border, with very fine filigree work consisting of two rows of omega motifs, occasionally interspaced with tiny annulets, separated by beaded wire line. Not very badly worn, though niello band has suffered somewhat. On back, 3 silver rivet-heads show how 3 subsidiary bosses were riveted onto disc (possibly whole lot together) before shell put in. Usual simple catchplate and attachment for missing pin and coil. Traces of iron rust suggest coin iron.