Fine Metalwork from the Roman Cemetery at Stansted Airport, Essex Tinning and High Tin Alloys

Abstract

AbstractThe early Roman cemetery discovered during the construction of London's third airport at Stansted contains the richest Roman burials discovered in Britain this century. The grave goods included a quantity of fine metalwork which forms te subject of this paper. The construction, alloys and finish of the pieces are described and discussed. Tin-plating and niello inlays are identified and described as is the analysis of corroded lead-tin solders and pewter. The manufacture of a high-tin bronze mirror is also discussed.