6th century AD. A lead-alloy casting master for radiate-headed bow brooches, with crescent headplate, shallow bow with central rib, scaphoid body with lateral lappets, beast-head finial with shield-shaped flange surround, catch to the reverse. Cf. Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VIII.23 for an example of the finished brooch with gilding, silver and niello, additional cast arc to the headplate. 100 grams, 10cm (4"). Property of a European gentleman living in the UK; formerly in a private collection formed in the 1990s. The lead master was used to create a two-part clay mould from which brooches could be cast in silver for gilding and the addition of other decorative features.