Casgliadau Arlein

Roman copper alloy bell-shaped stud with remnants of the iron shank on the base The copper alloy stud is near-complete with remnants of the iron shank corroded over the base and is comparatively small (with an overall length of 15.9mm and a weight of 13.7g). The circular stud has a marginally larger diameter at the upper rim (at 16.3mm). The interior of the rim is bevelled inwards before the raised central conical boss, which is marginally higher than the rim. The centre of the boss is flat with a central indentation. The exterior of the stud is decorated with a turned, subtle double incised groove around the rim, below which the stud has a stepped moulding before the concave waist (of 9.2mm minimum diameter). The base of the stud is obscured by iron corrosion, deepest at the centre, with the suggestion of a rectangular shank. The surface has a pale-green patina.

Copper alloy studs of similar form have been found at Usk (Webster, 1995, p 274) and elsewhere. The Usk studs are dated to the second and third centuries AD and are interpreted as furniture fittings. ‘Bell-shaped studs’ have also been found on lock plates and may have enhanced military objects.