Iron shield boss with white-metal plated copper-alloy apex and flange rivets; ash? wood remains

Douglas 1793, 26f.:The diameter of the Umbo rather exceeds six inches.Its weight is 3.5. It is ornamented at the top with a thin plate of silver, on a ground od a mixed metal, composed of copper and calamine, riveted to the iron point. Round the rim are five studs of the same mixed metal, the heads thinly plated with silver, and which, penetrating the rim, serve as rivets into the wood to fasten it.Remains of wood are still adhering to the rust, and by the grain they seem to be of ash. The concavity is continued to the point, and does not exceed a tenth of an inch in thickness. When in its perfect state it must have exhibited a great accuracy and elegancy of workmanship. Apparently it was hammered on a mould, afterwards polished to great lustre [note omitted], and used by the warrior more perhaps for ornament than actual use, unless it served, as the Erse poet has related, for the din of martial prowess before the troops engaged; when the warrior sounded his shield with the stroke of his arms [note omitted]. Found in 1771 and given to Douglas by Edward Jacob of Faversham; 'Tumulus VII'.