PIN

An incomplete cast copper-alloy pin probably of Roman date (50-300 AD). It is most likely that this is a hairpin; however, due to the fact that pins can be used for multiple tasks it is difficult to attribute function. The pin is broadly sub-rectangular in plan tapering from the head to a blunted terminal, which may be broken. It is cast in one-piece. The head of the pin is circular in diameter with a conical terminal which tapers to a turned / waisted body, beneath which is a small circular collar. Beneath the collar is a square sectioned shaft of the pin. This tapers evenly along its length to a blunt terminal. This has been abraded in the soil and it is difficult to state whether would continue to form a point The pin is a mid grey green colour with an even and relatively unabraded patina which covers all surfaces. It is likely that the pin was originally tinned and that the grey surface colour is the remains of the applied surface. There is no evidence of active corrosion present. The conical head measures 9.4mm in length and 8.7mm in width, the square sectioned shaft measures (at its widest point) 4.5mm x 4.4mm; this tapers to a section measuring 2.6mm x 2.8mm. The pin measures 58.1mm length and weighs 7.14 grams. Similar conical headed pins have been recorded at Colchester (Crummy 1995) although the best parallels in shape can be seen in pins made of bone. This pin, however, is unusual due to its square section and relatively short shaft. It may have some functional use; however the tinned surface would suggest that it would not have been used in furniture or similar.