Casgliadau Arlein

Rosette stud of thin sheet bronze on a backing material. Rosette studs of this type were used on lorica segmentata during the first century AD, but by the time the modified Newstead form had evolved there was no place for them. The number used on each lorica is though likely to have varied between eight and ten. They were also used on helmets and cheek pieces of the first century. Rosette studs were manufactured from rectangual sheets of bronze, the excess metal being cut away before, or perhaps when, the boss was put in place and, as well as being stock issue, their presence in unfinished state at Rheingonheim suggests that they were among the fittings which is was within the local armourer's capacity to manufacture and replace. When used on lorica segmentata such bosses usually served as washers to rivets which passed straight though them and were burred over plain rectangular washers on the back. The absence of an outer border to the Usk rosette, lost though damage, and the improvised rivet, of sheet bronze rolled into shape, suggests that the Usk rosette represents a local, unsuccessful attempt at repair, especially in view of the eccentric angle of the rivet which suggests extraction. The Usk rosette had at least sixteen petals and retains a white decayed backing material.