FURNITURE FITTING

Post Medieval stud or mount: The copper alloy stud head is a very slightly domed in profile and circular in plan. The reverse of the head is flat and has an integral circular sectioned shank protruding from the centre. The shank, which is straight, tapers to a sharp point. The surface of the stud has an incomplete mid green patina. It measures 12.76mm long, 13.58mm diameter and weighs 1.4g.

It is difficult to date the stud, there are Post Medieval examples which are identified as furniture or household studs but these have square sectioned shanks. Margeson (Margeson, S. 1993 Norwich Households; Medieval and Post Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-78 East Anglian Archaeology Report) illustrates similar circular studs (No. 531) dating to the 16th and mid 18th centuries. However, Roman studs such as this example have been identified, for example Hooley (Hooley, D. 2001 'Copper Alloy and Silver Objects' in Anderson, A.S. et al The Romano-British 'Small Town' at Wanborough, Wiltshire Britannia Monograph Series No. 19, Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies) illustrates a larger version, No. 74, which is described as a fastener, decorative belt or harness fitting. However this example was unstratified so a Post Medieval date is still an option, particular considering the surface condition. The recorded example is likely to be of a Post Medieval date.