File:Cast copper alloy tubular object-fragment (FindID 486111).jpg

English: This may possibly be a very small fragment of a cast copper-alloy two link bridle bit of the Polden Hill sub-type or else, a tnkard or related vessel, dating from the Late Iron Age-Early Roman period, i.e. c. 150BC-100AD. A more complete example is recorded under LVPL-34BA37. The fragment is short and tubular with a central circular perforation. There are breaks on either side of the fitting. The outside is decorated with moulded winged or lipped decoration which goes around the outside in two wavy lines. Where they diverge is a small circular hole, possibly for a rivet or some kind of small attachment. The surface of the artefact is very worn.

Adam Gwilt from the National Museums Wales suggests that the has winged or lipped decoration often seen and typical on 1st AD bridle bits, terrets, bowl escutcheons, tankard fittings and brooches. It is hard to parallel and identify as to function, but on stylistic grounds he feels confident at suggesting Late Iron Age/Campaigning period. One might suggest a vessel fitting, from a vessel of unknown form; Gwilt argues that its small size would tend to factor out a horse fitting. Looking at its construction, he suggests that it may have had an iron pin in the central perforation. The break on the perforation face suggests part of the fitting has broken here, possibly where it attached to a larger composite object, while it is possible that it has also broken across its cross section, though there does seem to be one edge border present.

References:
Brailsford, J.W. 1975 The Polden Hill Hoard, Somerset. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 41, 222-234.
MacDonald, P. 2007. Llyn Cerrig Bach; A Study of the Copper Alloy Artefacts from the Insular La Tene Assemblage. Cardiff. University of Wales Press.