File:Possible Roman Hair pin (FindID 440354).jpg

English: A copper alloy possible hair pin dating from the Roman period. The terminal is in the form of a swimming water bird. It is modelled in three dimensions with a large beak which is damaged at the tip. There is no indication of feathers or features on the duck. Projecting from the base of the duck is a rectangular sectioned shaft with an area rounded in plan at the top which is pierced by a circular hole. Beneath this, the shank is square in section with rounded corners. It continues to widen until the break which is rough and probably post depositional. The top of the shaft and the back of the bird are corroded, but the rest of the object has a smooth grey green patina, suggesting a high lead content. The function of this object is not certain. It is similar to hair pins such as WMID-F7B120, but the flaring shank is wider than might be expected. The hole through the shank is similar to LIN-BE4186 which is recorded as a mount, but the shaft on that example is hollow. NMS-A116B8, described as a ferrule from a cult object is also similar. The swimming bird design is well known on Roman objects and is often found on vessel lids, though not usually with a rectangular shank like this example.