7th century BC. A large gold leech brooch comprising a crescentic bow with applied filigree meander and annulet detailing, biconical collars, coiled spring and long pointed pin; rectangular catchplate with slot to the underside, applied filigree meander to each long sidewall, line of eight birds modelled in the round to the upper face with beaded wire wing outlines, crumpled ram's head finial. Cf. Troili, E. et al., Treasures From Tuscany - The Etruscan Legacy, Edinburgh. 2004, item 79, for a less decorative example of similar form. 28.91 grams, 13.9cm (5 1/2"). Property of a private collector; formerly acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.