Hand-Forged Early Medieval Penannular Mild Steel Brooch with Leaf Terminals - Outlet

Hand-Forged Early Medieval Penannular Mild Steel Brooch with Leaf Terminals

A Piece of History on Your Cloak

Penannular brooches were widely used across Europe, from the Romano-British provinces to the harsh lands inhabited by Germanic and Celtic tribes. From surviving archaeological finds, we know with certainty that similar fastening mechanisms were common as early as the 13th century BC, and their popularity lasted well into the High Middle Ages, approximately the 14th century AD. The term fibula itself comes from Latin and means exactly that: a clasp or buckle. Examples of such artefacts have been found in the famous Ardagh Hoard in Ireland, at the Germanic site of Hankenbostel, and in the renowned Viking ship burial at Ballateare. In eras when buttons were not yet commonly known or used, these forged brooches were the most reliable way to keep clothing secured to the body, even in the most demanding weather conditions.

How to Properly Use the Brooch

Fastening your period clothing with this leaf-terminal brooch is brilliantly simple and historically accurate:

• First, pierce the fabric with the thick steel pin exactly where you want to gather the cloak. Ensure you catch a sufficient fold of material to prevent it from tearing under tension.
• Then, carefully pass the pin through the gap between the leaf-shaped ends of the penannular ring.
• Next, rotate the ring 90 degrees so that its edge slides securely under the point of the pin.
• Once you release the ring, the natural tension and weight of the heavy fabric will pull the pin tightly against the ring, keeping the brooch securely and permanently closed.

Safety and Usage Warnings: The pin of this brooch is deliberately designed for more robust period textiles, such as thick felted wool, coarse linen, or animal hides. We strongly advise against using it on fine, delicate, or modern fabrics (such as silk or thin cotton), as doing so could cause irreversible damage and tear the fibres. Always exercise caution when handling the brooch to avoid puncture wounds from the sharp point. This brooch is not suitable for full-contact combat training or HEMA, where falling or receiving a blow could cause the pin to injure the wearer.

Technical Specifications

As this product is primarily made by hand using traditional blacksmithing techniques, the specifications listed above may vary slightly from piece to piece. Every delivered brooch is therefore a complete original, bearing the subtle marks of manual craftsmanship.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure your brooch serves you reliably for many years and retains its rustic, patinated appearance, it requires a little care on your part. Mild steel naturally undergoes oxidation and rusting if exposed to ambient moisture or sweat for extended periods. Therefore, carefully wipe the product down after every event and always store it in a dry place. Completely avoid washing the brooch in a washing machine with your garments or soaking it unnecessarily in water. Occasionally, gently treat the brooch with a cloth soaked in oil (gun oil is ideal) or beeswax, which will create a protective film against rust on the metal's surface. With this simple step, you will prevent the deterioration of this beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

We highly recommend pairing this forged leaf brooch with a high-quality, heavy woollen cloak or a historical linen tunic from our wide selection, allowing you to create a complete, aesthetic, and fully functional outfit for your next adventures.