Various Aux Q\'s

[Peroni]

When we look at the Dubitatus center boss it gives every indication of being a parade piece

Are you suggesting that all decorative bosses we see with engraved decoration and medusa heads/representations of 'Africa' etc etc were all parade gear? This one (A cavalryman's shield boss) still has it's rivets in place..


The boss from Vindonissa (V565) of the same type as the Tyne boss is similarly decorated, (selectively tinned copper alloy) as are nearly all Pompeii locket plates and let's not forget the Type A and B dagger sheaths with their intricate inlaid silver and enamelling. All these items were heavily decorated and were standard equipment.
Why should not the shield bosses from the Tyne and Vindonissa be standard kit?