File:Iron age stud (FindID 281527).jpg

English: An enamelled cast copper alloy pin, mount or stud of probable later Iron Age or Early Roman date (100 BC-100AD). The pin is broadly circular in plan and irregular in profile, being formed from a sub-rectangular shaft and D shaped head. The upper part of the pin is broadly D shaped in profile and circular in plan, the upper part has a concave recess. This recess is filled with a red glass like enamel. The enamel is in good condition and sits at the base of the recess. It is likely therefore that the enamel once filled the recess and has broken away, leaving the remaining enamel in good condition. The outer rim of the head is decorated with radiating incised grooves. The shaft of the pin is undecorated and circular in cross-section. It tapers to a flattened point. The object has a dark green patina and is in good condition. The style of this mount / pin is most likely to fit within the later Iron Age - Roman period and if Roman be best described as being influenced by the native British (sub-Iron Age culture). The function of the stud could be varied, from being a box / furniture decoration, or possibly be associated with horse harness or equipment. Three similar studs have been found at Dinorban, a Hillfort in Wales (NMW publication, Cardiff, 1964 and 1971. Dinorben. A hill-fort occupied in early Iron Age and Roman times. Excavations, 1912-69. W. Gardner and HN. Savory). These three examples (11.1-3) are most likely (according to the authors) to be associated with dress accessories and are probably pin heads; all are broken at similar points to this example. They have also been analysed and are shown to be leaded bronze where the lead content exceeds the tin. Two of the Dinorban examples were discovered from contexts associated with a round house floor reinforcing their possible domestic function / use. All three examples were from contexts which the authors have dated to the conquest period - which I assume to mean the Iron Age - Roman transition. The best parallel for this example is pin head 11.2which is decorated in a similar way with red enamel. Similar examples have been recorded on the database such as HESH-EF8A56.