File:Iron Age harness fitting, studded miniature terret (FindID 984876).jpg

English: A near complete copper alloy harness fitting of Iron Age date, c. 250-150 BC.

The object is a form of terret, sub-circular in plan with a straightened attachment bar. This bar is more clearly and consistently cylindrical in cross section, and its ends are marked with bulbous circular studs. The ring then resumes its more slender cylindrical cross section, before thickening further to two flaring cups which join together at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions to close the terret ring. Each of the bulbous studs is flanked by two lines which emphasise their position. There are further incised decorations on the outer surface of the terret ring, which are circular in form, and of which two have an incised line piercing the equator of the circle.

It appears to be a miniaturised example of Lewis' (2015: 77) Type 3, studded terrets, which are dated to the mid 3rd to mid 2nd century BC in burial contexts. He characterises the ciruclar cups as "acorn cup" mouldings, which may have once been filled with coral, bone or enamel, although in this case any such inlay is now missing.

Spratling (1972: 25-40) describes six forms of "mini terrets" which may be appropriate to consider here. MacDonald (2007:45) describes these in more detail and goes on to define them as objects less than 33mm in diameter, very similar in form to terrets but performing a different purpose. Lewis (ibid: 19) provides a good summary of the evidence for these objects and the arguments related to them. It is interesting to note that these mini terrets are described as being worn on the attachment bar as opposed to the collar, and this is the case with this example. Lewis (ibid: 58) goes on to discuss the use of experimental archaeology to assess the role of mini terrets, concluding that they may have been used in partnership with linchpins and moulded washers to secure linchpins to axles of vehicles.

Measurements: 21.9mm diameter, 19.2mm height, 5.4mm thickness, weight 8.44g.