PIN

An incomplete copper-alloy and iron pin of Middle Iron Age (300-150 BC) date, decorated in 'plastic style'. The pin comprises a large knobbed copper alloy head and the remains of an iron shank.
The upper part of the head is sub-spherical (c.9mm in diameter) with two angled circular removals, diagonally towards each other, their tops touching. This creates an isoceles triangle of remaining sphere on opposing sides. From the 'underside' of the sphere (below the horizontal line of the triangular area) is a circular-section projection 2.5mm in length and hour-glass shaped with concave sides. This extends into a circular bead/ flattened 'doughnut-shaped' spherical 8.3mm in diameter and 4.8mm thick. Either end of the projection is flanked by a narrow circumferential rim moulding and the remains of the iron shank (c.7mm long with a diameter of c.4mm) extend to the other face of the doughnut-shaped bead.
With the object held vertically and the shank pointing downwards, evolving from the area of each circular removal is a shell- or petal-like moulding, a three-dimensional crescent or segment at the base and around the right hand edge, angling and narrowing towards the centre. A second smaller three-dimensional crescent with more of a triangular shape to the under-section (the tip facing inwards at the centre) sits at the left-hand side and extends behind and around the first segment at its bottom tip. Occupying the centre and top part of the circular area is a conical projection 3.3mm high. This comprises a spiral moulding extending from the left-hand end of the first crescent moulding, turning to the right and occupying one-and-a-quarter turns. Emerging above is a domed knop. A decorative groove flanks the projecting edge of each segment and encircles the area as a whole.
The patina of the copper alloy is smooth and dark green-grey in colour, the iron now covered in orange corrosion. The object measures 23.8mm in length and its maximum width and thickness (across the head) are 13.1mm by 9.7mm. It weighs 6.32g.