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Description: | A complete cast copper alloy and iron plain harness fitting / terret ring of Late Iron Age to Early Roman dating (100 BC to 100 AD). The terret ring is sub oval/D shaped in plan. The object consists of an inner iron ring which is exposed at the inset section of the ring between the broadened collars. The attachment bar appears to be flattened and 'D' shaped in cross section however iron corrosion has distorted the original surface and form. The section where the exposed iron bar meets the copper alloy outer ring is flanked by two broadened and rounded collars. The remaining part of the ring then curves and narrows slightly. There is no evidence for other cast or applied decoration. The ring shows evidence of wear on the upper and inner surfaces of the ring where the surface has been worn flat and smooth. The terret ring has a dark green coloured patina. The surface has been removed and abraded and become pitted in areas. There is a small area of active corrosion visible on the inside of the ring. Towards the collar there are also small scratch marks which reveal the original bronze surface and colour. Alongside the large area of iron corrosion between the two collars there is also a second small area on the upper outer surface of the ring.There are parallels recorded on the database (NLM-17BBAA) is a copper alloy and presumed iron example discovered in North Lincolnshire. Other forms of massive terret ring can be seen in record (LANCUM-1F06E0) which was discovered in Shropshire.Mills (2000) discusses how terret rings were used as rein guides on chariots or carts, the reins would have passed through the open ring for guiding the horses. They were used during the Late Iron Age to Early Roman period. Mills suggests the larger terret rings may have been mounted on the chariot itself. Sally Worrall (2004) suggests in her Roman artefact guide that Massive terret rings date from the late 1st to 4th century AD.The terret ring measures 74.34mm in length; 58.84mm wide and 11.3mm thick. The internal dimensions of the ring are 54.90mm length and 41.19mm wide. It weighs 122 grams.Mills, N. and Payne, G., (2000) Celtic and Roman Artefacts Witham, Greenlight Publishing.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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