STUD

An incomplete Roman cast copper-alloy, bell shaped stud (c. AD 43-410). Allason-Jones type 2.

It is circular in plan, flaring at the upper edge, with a concave upper surface and protruding central pointed boss. The smaller end of the stud has an integral shaft or shank, rectangular in cross-section. The shank is pierced with a circular hole, 2.6mm in diameter.

This object has a matt light green patina overall.

Length: 19.9mm; diameter: 17.3mm; length of shank: 10.5mm; width of shank: 6.4mm; thickness of shank: 3,5mm. Weight: 7.79g.

Bell Shaped Studs are a multi-purpose form of artefact, commonly found on sites in Britain dating to the Roman period. A basic classification for these studs was established by Allason-Jones (1985): Type 1 with iron shank, usually caulked or fixed into the head with lead; Type 2 with (usually) integrally cast copper-alloy shank, often pierced at the distal end. Type 2 studs are primarily thought to have been used as fittings for boxes and chests, including for attaching decorative panels and lock-plates; Type 1 were multipurpose, with a variety of functions. A review of this specific object in 2020 reclassified it as a Bell Shaped Stud, Type [1/2], with [any notable variation, e.g. ‘short pierced shank’].

For comparison, see Crummy 1983: 166-167, figs. 203 and 204, refs: 4640 and 4650.

Similar objects have been recorded on The Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds: BERK-8A7B15; ESS-941778; KENT-3038A2; NMS-E32FB0; NMS-FE3971; SF-2B10A5; SF-CE67D8; SUSS-C64244; SUSS-E6A5C4, SWYOR-02E328 and SWYOR-418E74.

Allason-Jones, L., 1985. Bell-shaped studs, in: Bishop, M.C. (Ed.), The Production and Distribution of Roman Military Equipment: Proceedings of the Second Roman Military Equipment Research Seminar, BAR International Series. Presented at the Roman Military Equipment Research Seminar, B.A.R, Oxford, England, pp. 95–108.

Crummy, N. 1983. The Roman Small Finds from excavations in Colchester 1971-9. Colchester Archaeological Report 2. Colchester Archaeological Trust. Colchester.