Finds of interest chosen by the Scheme's staff [cached] http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk Fri, 16 May 2008 07:26:39 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.finds.org.uk/images/images/banner_01.jpg http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=223276 Iron knife with scale tang and bone scale plates, one missing, the other incomplete, fixed by two iron pins. The apparently integral terminal of the tang is domed in plan and expanded on either side to act as a stop for the bone plates. The surviving plate is decorated with incised cross-hacthing (down the left hand edge) and herringbone pattern (over the remainder) - part of the plate is broken off but present. The handle is incomplete, broken a few mm before the shoulder. Length 62.08mm, width 19.0mm, thickness 13.6mm including pins, thickness 8.8mm not including pins, weight 15.44g (main part 14.79g, plate fragment 0.65g). Scale tangs were introduced in the 13th or 14th century, and possibly continued as late as the 17th century (see Margeson, 1993, "Norwhich Households", Norwich Survey, p128) Mon, 12 May 2008 10:31:04 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=223251 Medieval brooch; cast copper alloy square lozenge-shaped brooch with moulded decoration on both faces and remains of gilding. The brooch probably dates to the 14th century. The brooch has a flat, broad band forming a square frame. There is a dagger-shaped pin extending from one corner to the diagonally opposite corner. The front of the brooch is decorated with a moulded, concave quatrefoil on each of the other corners (the corners not occupied by the pin) and with a raised ridge along the centre of each side, flanked by two lines of pellets. The reverse of the brooch is flat and decorated with a saltire cross in a square in each corner (except the corner where the pin is fixed) and a further saltire cross in a square in the centre of each side. There are traces of gilding on the reverse, around the point where the pin is fixed, which may suggest that the brooch was originally gilt on both faces. Length (along pin axis) 19.8mm, width (corner to corner) 19.5mm, thickness 2.5mm, weight 2.57g Refs: See Egan’s “Dress Accessories”, pages 256-257, brooches 1342–1344. Also note the brooches in the Meols catalogue, pages 144-145, illustrated on page 147 (plate 26), especially examples 1730-1732. Sat, 10 May 2008 12:46:27 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=223244 An Early Medieval copper alloy disc brooch which is 25.9mm in diameter and 5.9mm thick. The brooch is circular with seven fairly equally spaced projecting lobes round the edge. Each lobe once contained an enamel cell, but many are now damaged and the enamel does not survive. The face of the brooch is decorated with cloisonné enamel. The design is of a central light blue square with concave sides, which is bordered by curved bands of translucent dark blue enamel. On the outside of the four bands are four semi-circular areas of enamel. Two that are diametrically opposite each other contain white enamel, and the other two are yellow. This brooch is very similar to those discussed in a paper by David Buckton. The colours used are those most commonly found on this type of brooch, which until recently was believed to be Roman in date. Many of the parallels given were gilded, but there is no surviving evidence of this on this example. The brooch has a corroded double lug and catchplate on the reverse, but the pin is missing. The metal has a dark green patina. The enamel is cracked, but survives remarkably well. This type of brooch is now believed to date from the tenth or eleventh centuries. Fri, 09 May 2008 18:03:17 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222901 A corroded copper-alloy mount of medieval date. Although no parallel could found for this piece, the general style, decorative content and use of enamel, suggests that it was made at the Limoges school in France, probably in the 12th or 13th century AD. As with many of the Limoges pieces, it seems likely that it would have decorated a reliquary (religious casket) or a Christian book. The main part of the mount consists of a raised central disc with traces of champlevé enamelled decoration on the upper surface. Although much of this enamel is now missing, the central image appears to show a bird (possibly the pelican in its piety) standing, facing right, its wings held up either side of the head and neck, and the legs and feet extending to the bottom edge. Traces of green enamel exist within this largely empty central design. Surrounding the animal is a dark blue enamel which has survived almost intact. Extending outwards from the lower edge of this central disc, equally spaced to give the impression of a cross, are four lobes. Each of these lobes extends in width towards a scalloped outer edge, has a gilt upper surface and contains two equal-sized circular rivet holes. The remnant of one copper-alloy rivet survives in-situ within the bottom lobe; the right hand lobe is heavily worn on its outer edge; and the left hand lobe has been worn right through and is now completely missing its outer edge. Situated within the rivet holes of the uppermost lobe and extending backwards is a short length of copper-alloy wire, bent into a 'U' shape. Attached to this 'U' shaped protrusion is a second length of wire. This second wire is of a different nature from the mount itself, having a green patina rather than the mottled red surface of the mount. Given the nature of this upper attachment, it seems likely that the mount was not riveted directly to the casket or book, but instead that it was suspended between four attached chains which were, in turn, secured to the object. The reverse of the mount is hollow. The object measures 36.3mm long (not including the attached chain), 33.6mm wide and 10.5mm thick. The weight is 18.05g. Tue, 06 May 2008 13:10:39 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222889 Silver Denarius of Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14, Mint of Lugdunum, 15-13BC. Class: RIC I, p. 53, no. 173b Tue, 06 May 2008 11:32:44 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222835 Post medieval token; struck copper alloy trade token of probable 17th century date. The token is very worn and corroded but can be seen to have a shield on one side with some heraldic devices within it. The inscription is mostly illegible but contains the letters […]TON before a break, suggesting that this was the name of a town. The other face is too worn to identify. Diameter 16.6mm, thickness 1.0mm, weight 0.88g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:25:46 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222834 Roman coin; fragment of struck copper alloy nummus of the House of Constantine, two soldiers with one standard reverse, dated to 335-341. Mint unknown. Obv. Bust of emperor facing right (bottom of face, neck and shoulders present) D[..]AVG Rev. Two soldiers with one standard (heads of soldiers and top of standard present) [GLORI] / A EXER / C[ITVS] Mint mark missing Length (not full diameter) 14.2mm, thickness 1.0mm, weight 0.46g Ref: Reece & James, pages 34 and 35, reverse 98 Sun, 04 May 2008 12:22:55 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222833 Roman coin; struck copper alloy radiate or nummus, dating to the rough period 260-402. This coin is too worn to clearly identify. Obv. Bust of emperor facing right Inscription illegible Rev. Design illegible Inscription illegible Diameter 17.5mm, thickness 1.2mm, weight 1.19g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:20:30 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222831 Roman coin; incomplete struck copper nummus of 4th century date. This coin is too worn to clearly identify. Obv. Helmeted bust of emperor facing right No inscription visible Rev. Too worn to see No inscription visible Diameter 17.1mm, thickness 1.4mm, weight 0.74g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:18:04 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222830 Roman coin; incomplete struck copper alloy radiate or nummus, dating to the rough period 260-410. This coin is too worn and corroded to clearly identify. Both faces are obscured by corrosion product. Obv. Too worn to see Inscription illegible Rev. Too worn to see Inscription illegible Diameter 15.9mm, thickness 1.5mm, weight 1.12g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:15:50 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222828 Roman coin; struck copper nummus of 4th century date. This coin is too worn to clearly identify. Obv. Diademed bust of emperor facing right Inscription illegible Rev. Standing figure Inscription illegible Mintmark illegible Diameter 17.4mm, thickness 1.4mm, weight 2.12g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:13:22 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222825 Roman coin; struck copper alloy nummus of the House of Constantine, two soldiers with two standard reverse, dated to 330-335. Mint unknown. Worn and obscured by corrosion product. Obv. Diademed bust of emperor facing right Inscription illegible Rev. Two soldiers with one standard. Pellet between figures [GLORIA EXERCITVS] Mint mark missing Diameter 17.1mm, thickness 1.9mm, weight 1.39g Ref: Reece & James, pages 34 and 35, reverse 97 Sun, 04 May 2008 12:09:53 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222823 Roman coin; struck copper alloy radiate or nummus, dating to the rough period 260-402. This coin is too worn and corroded to clearly identify. Most of the original surface of the metal is missing. Obv. Too worn to see Inscription illegible Rev. Too worn to see Inscription illegible Diameter 14.4mm, thickness 1.3mm, weight 1.08g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:07:41 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222821 Roman coin; struck copper alloy radiate or nummus, dating to the rough period 260-402, possibly contemporary copy due to its size. This coin is too worn to clearly identify. Obv. Bust of emperor facing right Inscription illegible Rev. Design illegible Inscription illegible Diameter 10.8mm, thickness 2.0mm, weight 0.90g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:05:07 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222820 Roman coin; struck copper alloy radiate or nummus, dating to the rough period 260-402. This coin is too worn to clearly identify. Obv. Too worn to see Inscription illegible Rev. Too worn to clearly identify – possibly two standing figures Inscription illegible Diameter 15.6mm, thickness 1.6mm, weight 1.16g Sun, 04 May 2008 12:02:47 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222790 Roman coin; struck copper alloy nummus of Crispus, votive altar reverse, dated to 318-324. Possibly Trier mint – only the tops of the letters of the mintmark are present but they seem to be PTR. Obv. Laureate bust of caesar facing left, carrying shield to the right front of the portrait and with a sceptre or similar over his right shoulder. The sceptre seems to have a leaf at its terminal. IVL CRISPVS NOB CA[ES] Rev. Votive altar with globe on top and three stars above. The altar reads ‘VO / TIS / XX’. [B]EATA TRAN / Q[VIL]LIT[AS] Mintmark probably PTR in exergue Diameter 17.4mm, thickness 1.4mm, weight 1.31g Ref: Reece & James, pages 32-33, reverse 76 Sun, 04 May 2008 10:55:50 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222707 A rare example of a late Iron Age/early Roman brooch, in the style of a La Tene III, Nauheim Derivative, brooch, but with a rare hinged pin fitting rather than the usual bilateral spring fitting typical to this type. Pre-Roman hinged brooches have been occasionally recorded in Britain, but according to Hattatt (p.46) these are usually restricted to La Tene I brooches. The hinged pin fitting then died out, to be reintroduced through imports during the 1st century AD. Nauheim type brooches were common and widespread in Britain from the mid-1st century BC until they went out of use around the third quarter of the 1st century AD (see Hattatt). For this reason this brooch could represent a cross-over between an older brooch type and the later Dolphin Brooches which were introduced during the mid-1st century AD and featured the reintroduced hinged pin fitting (ibid). The head of the brooch rolls under to form a tubular hinge mechanism which together with an axis bar, holds the pin in place. Both the pin and the axis bar remain in situ. The head then tapers in and splays out again to form the bow of the brooch which is flattened and leaf-shaped, decorated with a heavy groove down the centre, lesser grooves to either side of this and grooves around the edge. The bottom of the bow then tapers gradually to a long, thin point at the foot. The catch plate is roughly triangular and integral with the bow. It has a folded edge to catch the pin. The metal has a smooth mid greenish-blue patina and survives in an excellent condition. Fri, 02 May 2008 11:05:44 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222468 The lower part of a shield-shaped pendant with a pointed base and curving sides. The pendant depicts a lion rampant facing left in a field of red enamel surrouned by a grooved border. The profile of the lion has been picked out with grooves. The external frame is decorated with zigzag lines. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:42:51 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222467 A cast copper alloy object patinated bright green. The object is plano convex and consists of three conjoined rounded 'cushions' which form an angle. This may be part of a buckle frame. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:37:03 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222464 A halfgroat of Charles I. The coin is pierced at 10 o'clock on the obverse. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:26:33 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222417 Early Medieval wrist clasp; incomplete cast copper alloy Saxon wrist clasp of probable 6th century date. This represents one half of the clasp, most likely the hook plate, although the actual fixing is missing so it cannot be confirmed whether this was the hook or eye of the clasp. The clasp has a narrow, sub-rectangular bar decorated with a group of 4 incised, lateral lines close to either end. There are indications of the remains of tinning in places on the bar. There is a small break on the edge of the bar, indicating the place of the hook (or eye) attachment which is now missing. A stitching plate is integrally cast, extending along the side of the bar. The plate seems to have been of a multi-lobed shape with a circular stitching hole in each of the lobes. There are six holes along the outer edge, so presumably there were six lobes originally, although the central four have broken, three of them to such an extent that the stitching holes are now open. Between the outer line of stitching holes and the decorative bar there is a further line of holes. These are slightly larger, cruder and less evenly placed than the outer holes. There are five holes in this inner line, positioned between the outer holes. This may suggest that some of the outer holes broke in antiquity and the inner line is an addition to allow the broken clasp to be reused. However, the inner holes may alternatively just be decorative. Length 42.5mm, width 17.2mm, thickness 2.5mm, weight 7.92g Ref: compare the wrist clasps in MacGregor and Bolick’s catalogue of the Ashmolean collection, especially 29.24 and, to a lesser extent, 29.25 on page 179. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:08:19 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222292 A flint handaxe of probable Middle Palaeolithic (430,000 - 40,000 BP) date. The form of the tool is sub-cordate, having a rounded butt and slightly convex sides which taper towards a (now missing) point. In section, the tool is pointed sub-oval, with one face having a much more pronounced curvature than the other. The tool has been roughly worked through the removal of a number of broad flakes, the scars for which extend downwards and outwards from the central ridge on each side. At the butt is a surviving portion of the original cortex. The break at the tip reveals the original flint to have been mid grey in colour, but the surfaces of the tool are now greyish-white as a result of patination. The tool measures 148.09mm long, 74.41mm wide and 34.11mm thick. The weight is 404.6g. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:52:19 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=222088 Cast copper alloy barrel lock or padlock (commonly termed barrel lock because of the cylindrical shape) in the form of a horse. The horse is mostly intact with all 4 legs remaining (although one of the front ones is not complete)and stands 44mm high. The ears have broken off but the eyes are still visible. There is lots of detail on the body of the horse to show a saddle and harness straps. The horse is hollow with a mechanism for the bar to fit into. There is also a hole which runs up the head of the animal from the nose through to the back of the head. It is in very good condition. A similar example can be seen in ‘Detector Finds 3’ by Gordon Bailey, page 43, No. 4 and page 45. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:28:26 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=221982 Possible copper alloy nail cleaner. The object has a globular head with a small peak at the top. There is a narrowed collar below. The head measures 6.27mm in diameter. The main body is leaf shaped and bears an incised decoration on either side. One side is decorated with three large leaves each containing three small tulip or trumpet shaped motifs. Further trumpet shaped motifs on longer curved stems decorate this side down the narrowed end. The other side is decorated in a similar, though not exact manner. The tip is missing. When viewed from the side the leaf-shaped blade is offset and plano-concave at the top. The blade becomes even though towards the middle onwards. The surface has a chalky-blue patina to it, suggesting that it may have been silvered. Similar objects have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. Although they are similar to incomplete nail cleaners with no suspension loop, one has been found with an incomplete twisted stem extending from the bottom instead of a bifurcated terminal as commonly seen on nail cleaners. It has also been suggested that they could be spoon handles. The form and motif styles suggest a Roman date, though this is not certain. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:29:47 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=221773 A complete cast copper alloy Roman vessel spout. The zoomorphic hollow conical spout is in the form of a bull or bovine’s head. The spout is widest at the attachment end (external diameter 16.3mm) where there are two incomplete attachment holes. On top of the head, at the attachment head is an integral solid small animal, possibly a mouse sitting on the bull’s head with his back paws underneath him and his front paws outstretched. The mouse’s head is raised, his ears are defined but his face is too worn to pick out any details. The face of the bull is defined with continuous raised line that goes from each horns to the open mouth and is V-shaped on the underside. The horns of the bull are circular in section and curl inwards at the ends. Between the horns is an incised triangular design, consisting of a triangle with a pointed oval inside between the upper two points, which is decorated with vertical lines. The eyes are a circular depression (diameter 2.7mm) with heavy moulding around them. The open mouth has raised lips and inside the mouth is a circular sectioned spout with an external diameter of 6.9mm. The length of the spout is 36.9mm, the maximum width between the two horns is 28.0mm and the weight is 29.16g. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:34:41 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=221723 Fragmentary figurine: Head and shoulders of a solid, copper alloy statuette of a (probable) human male, dating to the Roman period. Rounded head, with 'bowl' haircut or headwear, and well-defined features, including large, almond-shaped eyes. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:43:53 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=220737 Cast lead alloy pendant cross. Crudely cast roughly equal-armed cross with a hole for suspension, pierced from the reverse, at the end of one of the arms. All the arms flare slightly towards their ends (in plan), and there is a longitudinal raised rib, off-centre along each of the arms - could this be a very crude representation of Christ on the cross? If so, then the piercing is through where the head would have been. The arms are plano-convex, flat on the reverse. The reverse is undecorated. There is a V-shaped groove on the reverse of one of the arms (the right as viewed from behind) - this is damage incurred in antiquity rather than deliberate. Grey-cream surface. Length 24.78mm, width 22.16mm, thickness (uneven) 5.7-7.0mm, weight 13.67g. Probably late early medieval or early medieval, c.1000-1200; possibly of Scandinavian / Anglo-Scandinavian manufacture. In form it can be compared with crucifixes from Birka, Sweden and Trondheim, Norway - see Graham-Campbell & Kidd, 1980 "The Vikings", British Museum, although these have well-formed figures of Christ. See PAS record IOW-A9CF01 for a discussion of such crosses. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:49:53 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=220573 A silver sceatta of Eadberht of Northumbria, 737-57, Booth class G(10). A scarce coin in a very fine condition. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:26:51 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=220328 A substantial late Roman buckle frame with well-rendered human head between dolphins' jaws. This buckle is a variant of the Hawkes and Dunning Type IIA (1961, 50ff.) which consists of a pair of confronted dolphins whose tails make involuted terminals. Protruding at right angles from below each curved terminal is a perforated circular lug (W.: 7.75mm). Both of the lugs retain some of the corroded iron axis bar; the pin (tongue) is missing. The central human head, uppermost, is very well rendered. The hairline is moulded above the face. The hairstyle is a typically 'Celtic' tonsure, with incised lines showing the hair converging in a 'V' shape at the back, before splaying out below. The eyes are punches and the mouth a simple transverse incision; most of the nose has been lost as a result of corrosion. Deep, continuous incisions below the head in a 'V' shape on both sides make this a bust rather than simply a head. The dolphin heads are equally well moulded, with open snouts adjoining the human head, but arguably not integral with it as with most similar buckles. This openwork approach continues in gaps below the dolphins and the bust, and with drilled holes in the lower parts of both jaws. As with the human heads, the dolphins are decorated on both sides of the buckle frame; this is highly unusual as the reverse of most such buckles is flat and undecorated. Punched ring-and-dot motifs form the eyes on both faces. Central to each dolphin's head is a longitudinal incision with diagonals emerging from it, perhaps indicating scales? Below the eyes and snout are zones of diagonal, slightly curved incisions. These zones terminate above a rounded protrusion on the dolphins' backs, perhaps representing a dorsal fin. Below these are zones at the level of the outer edge consisting of punched crescent and dots, in line with the base of the bust. These zones are limited to the upper surface of the buckle (the face with the human head facing). It has been suggested that these 'scales' relate to the bust - that they represent scale armour on the shoulders of a soldier - rather than to elements of the dolphins (Stuart Laycock pers. comm. 16 April 2008). Below are further zones of diagonal incisions demarcated by transverse incisions, again just on the upper surface. Below these the sides of the buckle are relatively corroded making decoration difficult to discern. There is a possible linear incision half way down the sides, with possible diagonals below this. The curved, tapering tails of the dolphins are plain. As well as the superficial damage caused by corrosion, the buckle is also bent slightly in profile. However, this does not detract from the beauty of the craftsmanship displayed on this buckle frame. Indeed, none of the examples illustrated in a recent compilation (Appels and Laycock 2007, 191ff.) match this artefact in terms of either the moulding of the human and animal heads, or their decoration. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:32:42 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=220027 A copper alloy and lead alloy object which may be an Early Medieval gaming counter or a weight. The object is 14.2mm long, 13.8mm wide and 10mm thick. It consists of a U shaped piece of copper alloy strip which has a moulded animal head at one end. The U has been filled with lead alloy to make a solid inverted U shaped object. The base is pitted but is flat so the object stands upright (so the copper alloy forms an arch) in a stable way. The strip has not been easy to parallel but may be Irish in origin. The exact function of this piece is not clear, but it is likely to date from 850 – 950. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:15:32 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219891 A cast lead medieval ampulla of medieval date. The flask-shaped ampulla measures 53.9mm by 33.5mm by 11.9mm and wighs 61.6g. It has a slightly expanded neck and a small pointed suspension handle projecting from each side. On one face are the letters S B, surrounded by moulded cross-hatching within a roundel. S B is most likely to refer to Saint Bridget of Sweden as her cult (based as Sion Abbey, Isleworth, Middlesex) was popular during the second half of the 15th century (Brian Spencer, pers. comm. to finder, 1988). The other side is decorated with moulded vertical lines, in imitation of a scallop shell. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:09:34 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219746 A jet bead of either late Neolithic/Bronze Age, Roman or even Victorian date. The fusiform bead measures 23.5mm in length by 7.3mm in diameter and weighs 1.8g. The slight facetting on this example, which suggests it was pared to shape rather than lathe-turned, may hint at a Bronze Age date, but it could be the product of a less technically minded Roman jeweller (pers. comm. Lindsay Allason-Jones). It could even be a very worn Victorian example (pers. comm. Alison Sheridan). Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:46:26 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219741 Medieval mount, possibly a stylus or pointer head; cast copper alloy artefact with a figure of a dragon or wyvern in high relief and the remains of gilding. This probably dates from the 11th or 12th century. The mount consists of a flat plate, of approximately pear shape. However, the edges of the rounded part of this plate are somewhat rough and it may have been broken towards the rounded end. The opposite end of the plate is rolled, seemingly forming a socket for a stem to emerge. The upper face of the plate has a moulded beast curled upon it. The wyvern has a narrow, dog-like head with snout, nostrils, pronounced eyebrows and little ears. It has a sinuous body which curls around so that by the time it narrows to the tail, it is lying beneath the head. There is a single leg which is stretched across and resting on the back of the beast’s neck. Above the leg there is a wing, in the form of a simple teardrop shape ending in a curl. The wing is decorated as a single panel with four incised chevrons running along it. The tail ends in a curl, just at the point where the plate is rolled to form the socket. The object was gilded over its upper surface. The reverse is plain and undecorated. Both Kevin Leahy and Geoff Egan have suggested that a stylus head seems the most likely function for this object. The beast seems most likely to be a wyvern as the presence of a single wing and a single leg suggest that the beast had just two rear legs and a pair of wings, rather than the four legs plus wings of the dragon. Length 39.5mm, width 15.3mm, thickness 9.3mm, weight 8.06g Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:53:20 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219735 Medieval seal matrix; cast lead pointed oval personal seal matrix of probable 13th century date. The seal matrix is a flat, thin, lead plate with deeply incised lettering and design on one face. The central device seems to be a stylised windmill, of the postmill type. There is a cross initial mark and the seal reads ‘SIGILL VD WALTERI PATIMA’. The back face of the matrix is undecorated and there is no indication of the usual suspension loop on the back. However, the matrix does come to a small nip at the top, which has been broken off suggesting that it may have originally had a simple suspension loop extending from the top. Length 50.7mm, width 29.3mm, thickness 2.7mm, weight 19.69g Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:58:27 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219654 Cast copper alloy pin with a biconvex head constructed from two dished jettons. The head is light and is probably hollow and held together by solder around the rim. The upper jetton is very worn however there appears to be three crowns and three lis. The lettering surrounding is illegible. The lower jetton has three lis and three crowns, with a legend that reads in part ]BVENV[. The pin is circular in cross-section and complete. The shaft is angled approximately 3/4ths the way down. The tip is bent. The jetton types are probably Nuremburg jettons struck in the 16th century. The pin copies the more expensive varieties of silver gilt dress pins popular in the 16th century. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:44:06 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219523 Incomplete cast copper alloy cruciform brooch. The brooch is in three pieces however there are parts that are still missing, namely the two side wings from the headplate and the main section of the foot. The brooch is large and elaborate, and coated on the front with gilding. The headplate is flat, rectangular and decorated down the centre with a ladder motif. To either side of the central ladder are two rows of punched crescent motifs. Each motif is in the form of a crescent with three curved terminals at either side. The two side wings are missing their terminals, however theu begin with a narrow rectangular panel decorated with a perimeter of punched circles set within a linear border. The uppermost wing is largely complete and begins with two moulded transverse collars and a punched circle perimeter above. The main panel of the upper wing is in the form of a moulded human mask with a scroll shaped extension to either side. The bow is short and arched and decorated at the flattened apex with three concentric circles. The recessed bands are now empty. The lower bow is decorated with a ladder motif down the centre. Each rectangular panel within the ladder is decorated with three inscised transverse lines. Similar crescent motifs as seen on the headplate decorated the area to either side of the ladder. There is an incomplete triangular wing to either side decorated with elaborate incised and moulded panels, probably representing a mask or a chopped up animal. The terminal of the foot is decorated in a similar manner to the upper wing of the headplate, having a moulded human mask with a scroll shaped extension to either side. One of the eyes has a small pellet of blue enamel; the other eye is missing. The reverse of the brooch is undecorated and smooth. There is a pin lug at one side of the bow, and a catchplate at the other side. The pin and catchplate are very close together and may not have provided much support to the brooch when attached. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:49:10 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219432 Copper alloy radiate of Carausius, PAX AVGGG, C Mint, AD 286-93. RIC, V, p493, No: 335 var. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:31:55 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219416 Medieval coin; Continental sterling imitation of John of Avesnes, 1280-1304, denomination pollard, Mayhew no.34. Diameter 18.21mm, weight 0.91g. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:41:27 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219401 Middle to Late Early-Medieval copper alloy strap end of Thomas Class B Type 1: Transverse grooved, with remains of niello. The strap end measures 56.5x(max)12.9mm and weighs 11.44g. The strap end has a split end, which is the widest part (12.9mm). This narrows to the shaft (8.3mm) which gently tapers to a zoomorphic terminal 4.4mm wide. The split end has a 1.5mm diameter piercing in both corners at the open end. A slightly crude curving groove runs between. There is detail on the outside edge between, with two triangular grooves creating a raised triangle between. The split is 11mm deep. The panel on the split end, below the piercings, consists of a foliate design on a background presumably of niello (traces survive). A central stem with a circular top and semi-circular base has three branches on either side. The top branches are bifurcated, the middle branches S shaped and the lower branches downwards-turned triangles. Below the panel, at the top of the stem, are three horizontal grooves and two ribs, before another (simpler) panel. The second panel comprises a central angular S shape with another either side. However the outside ends of these two Ss curl back around on themselves to create a square end. Remains of niello survive in the grooves around these too. Below the panel, at the end of the shaft, is a thickened horizontal rib. The shaft is c.4mm thick. The zoomorphic terminal has a pronounced brow ridge and upturned snout. It is 5mm thick. The reverse of the strap end is plain though does show some tooling marks. It is likely this type of strap end was introduced in the late 8th/ early 9th centuries and remained popular into the 11th. It is common to the south and south-east of England. This particular example was probably lost soon after manufacture as it is not worn at all. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:15:13 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219097 A orange coloured carnelian intaglio which is of Roman date. The intaglio is oval and is 14.1mm long, 10.8mm wide and 5.5mm thick. Both faces are convex but the front is flatter than the reverse. There is a chip missing from the top left and the centre of the back has a dull surface, where the rest is glossy. The front is decorated with a carving of a Indian ring-necked parakeet (or parrot) facing left (described from the intaglio)and holding a pair of cherries in its mouth. The intaglio looks as if it may have been set in a finger ring and could have been used as a seal matrix. A very similar intaglio but on red jasper and without the cherries was found at Castleford. Martin Henig writes: “Parrots are often shown on Roman gems, reflecting their popularity as pets and their association with the God Bacchus, who was believed to have come from India” (Henig, 1993 in “Roman Castleford, Volume I” edited by Cool and Philo, 1998). The Castleford intaglio dates from 43 – 150 AD. Professor Henig examined a photograph of the intaglio and suggested the following further parallels: M.Maaskant-Kleibrink, Catalogue of the Engraved Gems in the Royal Coin Cabinet,The Hague (The Hague 1978) p.229 no.565, plate 103 and a lost gold ring from London with an incised parrot with cherries in its beak (Wheeler, London in Roman Times (1930) 98 and fig.30 no.3 and listed (not illustrated) in the Corpus of Roman Engraved Gemstones from British Sites (Henig, new edn.2007) no.779. He adds: "Incidentally birds are shown with cherries in their beaks on stucco from Fishbourne Roman palace published in Barry Cunliffe's report." He dates the gem to round about the middle of the 2nd century. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:26:52 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219092 An incomplete cast copper alloy purse bar of Late Medieval or Early Post-Medieval date (AD 1450 – AD 1550). Ward Perkins Type B1. Length: 61.0mm; width: 40.3mm and maximum thickness, across the central block, 10.2mm. Weight: 33.54g. The suspension loop is complete but slightly distorted and is an elongated oval shape being narrower at the bottom than at the top. Its maximum width is 19.2mm and it has a thickness of 5.6mm. At the base of the loop is an integral tri-ribbed collar. The shank below the loop is 20.0mm in length and is circular in cross-section with a diameter of about 4.0mm. It terminates with a “rove” which is domed on the underside where the shank has been burred over. The central block through which the shank passes measures 14.0mm x 17.1mm x 8.9mm and in plan has six sides forming a shield-shape. As viewed from above (or below) it has a rectangular form. The complete bar (arm) has an overall length of 14.5mm. At its junction with the central block the bar is in the form of a devolved ‘gripping animal head’ similar to those found on Type A1 purse bars. An old fracture is situated at each side of the head. The end of the bar terminates with a domed rove very similar to the one at the end of the shank. The bar in the space between the animal head and the rove retains a small portion of the purse frame. The incomplete bar has an old break at the end of the animal head where the frame would have been secured. This purse bar is generally corroded overall and has patches of a khaki green patina. The front and rear faces of the central block have traces of tinning. However, there is no evidence for any further decoration. Linear striations on one face of the central block may have been created as a result of filing. The bar is very similar to one illustrated by Ward Perkins 1940, ‘London Museum Medieval Catalogue’ 167-8, fig. 52, ref. B1 which is dated late 15th or early 16th century. Other similar, Type B1 purse bars have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds from Westwood Parish, Wiltshire (WILT-D1C432), Tong Parish, Shropshire (WMID-13EA61), Coldwaltham Parish, West Sussex (SUSS-238704), Upton Parish, Nottinghamshire (DENO-2BDD37) and Mettingham Parish, Suffolk (NMS-6EEEE1). Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:21:55 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=219088 An incomplete copper alloy buckle dating from the late medieval period. Only the plate of the buckle survives. It is rectangular and has two tabs which bend to for the hinge with the frame before extending into the back plate which is smaller than the front one. It is 44.9mm long, 29mm wide and 5.4mm thick. The decoration is two lions (?dogs) passant with one head, both with curving S tails and set in a rectangular border. The edge of the rectangle is beaded and the background is decorated with incised horizontal lines. There is an additional wavy line along the hinge edge. To the right of the lions are two rivet holes, one in each corner. One of the rivets is partially surviving. There is extensive gilding on the front. The metal has a heavy light green patina which is chipped in places revealing dark brown metal underneath. This buckle plate is almost identical to another on the database: WILT-5ECB50. This is paralleled by an example in Margeson (1993 fig.13 no.135) which is a similar example but with just one lion. This example dates from 1450-1500. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:14:13 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218846 Early medieval wrist clasp; cast copper alloy wrist clasp ‘eye’ plate of probable 6th century date. The clasp consists of a broad rectangular plate with a rectangular loop extending from the centre of one edge. This loop would have received the hook from the corresponding ‘hook’ plate in order to fasten the garment to which the clasps were attached. The other edge of the plate has a semi-circular loop at one end and the remains of what would presumably have been a similar loop at the other end. These loops would be the stitching holes for fixing the clasp to the garment. There is also a decorative lobe extending from the centre of the side of the plate, opposite the ‘eye’ loop. The only other extant decoration is in the form of a raised rectangular moulding in the centre of the plate and similar, though less prominent, mouldings at either end of the plate. The whole has a thick, tactile, grey-green patina over its surface. Length 33.2mm, width 21.8mm, thickness 2.3mm, weight 5.08g Ref: Compare the wrist clasps in MacGregor and Bolick’s Ashmolean catalogue, pages 175-182, especially the set 29.31 which is of a similar shape. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:45:27 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218839 Early Medieval buckle plate; fragment of cast copper alloy buckle plate with integral buckle frame, which is mostly missing. The plate is probably continental. It dates from the early part of the Early Medieval period, around the 5th or 6th century, and seems to be a direct development of late Roman triangular designs. The plate would have been of sub-triangular shape, with the apex of the triangle broken away and missing. The remaining section flares towards the pin bar, is then indented on both sides and flares out again to two semi-circular lobes at the top of the plate, near the pin bar. Both lobes have an iron rivet still in situ. The buckle frame broadens to a sturdy edge with rust-coloured corrosion around the gap where the pin would have sat, suggesting that the pin was of an iron-rich material. The sides and back edge of the buckle frame are missing. The plate is decorated on the triangular section with punched crescents in a line along both edges, with the convex back of the crescents facing into the middle. Length 33.9mm, width 20.7mm, thickness 3.9mm, weight 6.66g Barry Ager of the British Museum notes "in view of the fixed plate, it is most likely to be continental early medieval. I have asked my colleague Sonja Marzinzik for her opinion, too, and she says that, although the plate recalls Anglo-Saxon buckles [excavated] from Dover B, grave 158 and Leighton Buzzard I, grave 13, neither of them has a fixed plate, so they are not really close parallels. The nearest continental parallels that I can suggest are two fixed-plate buckles from Rittersdorf, Germany, graves 45 and 26, although there are differences in outline (K. Böhner, 1958, Die fränkischen Altertümer des Trierer Landes, part 2, Berlin, Taf. 43, 1-2). They are dated by Böhner to c. 450-600 and appear to derive from late Roman prototypes, which had simpler, triangular plates." Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:36:37 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218821 Enamelled and tinned cast copper alloy plate brooch. The brooch is in the form of a horse and rider galloping right. Both the horse and rider are shown semi-naturalistically and out of proportion to each other. The horse is notably smaller than the rider. The rider is male and is shown from the waist upwards. The body of the male us decorated with a hook-shaped cell and a semi-circular shaped cell, each of which are filled with a turquoise coloured enamel. The head is shown in profile facing forward. The hair is short and shown by a series of grooves. The eyes are deep-set ovals and the mouth is shown slightly open with an almost angry or war-like expression. The figure has a beard shown by small stamped or incised crescents that goes beneath the mouth but not over the lip. The horse is shown galloping to the right and has a large triangular ear at the top, a groove at the mouth and a slightly upturned snout. The eye is a simple pellet. The mane is shown by a series of grooves down the back of the neck. The main body of the horse is decorated with two cells; the one on the chest is oval and filled with red enamel, whereas the one down the side is hook shaped and filled with a turquoise coloured enamel. The front legs are bent at the knee and the rear legs are shown angled slightly inwards. The tail is short and has a small pellet at the top and three grooves below. There are two lugs on the reverse of the rump containing a hinged copper alloy pin. The catchplate is intact. The brooch is very fine and appears to have been discared or deposited unworn. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:05:39 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218807 Enamelled and tinned cast copper alloy plate brooch. The brooch is in the form of a horse galloping right. The horse is shown semi-naturalistically using a combination of grooves and enamelled cells to define the various features of the horse. The head of the horse is decorated with a concave eye, a groove depicting the mouth, and a series of grooves down the back of the neck depicting the mane. The body is slender and contains three comma shaped cells. The central one contains a reddish coloured enamel and the flanking two contain a greenish coloured enamel. The tail is short and has a recessed circular cell at the top and three grooves below. The circle may have contained enamel however none now remains. The front legs are bent at the knee and the back legs are shown angled slightly iwnard in a galloping motion. There reverse of the horse has two lugs containing the remains of a copper alloy hinged pin. The pin is incomplete, missing most of its shank. The catchplate is intact. The lugs are located on the rump of the horse and the catchplate on the chest. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:46:12 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218691 Neolithic flint borer, measuring 42.1mm in length and weighing 5.31g. It has extensive pressure flaking along both right and left ventral edges, creating a curving point at the distal end (6x3.7mm). The proximal end is flatter and wider (20.4x5mm). The dorsal face has three longitudinal flake scars. The flint is grey in colour with circa 30% patination spots. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:50:33 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218688 Possible Late Neolithic End Scraper or Bronze Age large flake with pressure flaking at the distal end. It has a very fresh appearance. Measures 56.6x39.2x(max)15.4mm and weighs 25.19g. The flint is dark/ black in colour with the distal end worked to the right side particularly. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:35:49 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218685 Bronze Age, Iron Age or Roman copper alloy awl, slightly bent. It measures 75.3mm in length and weighs 5.91g. The flat end is 4.2mm wide and 0.8mm thick, thickening to 4.1mm, the max.thickness of the awl in the square-sectioned central section. The pointed end is circular in section and narrows from 4.1mm to the point. It is this end which is slightly bent. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:24:25 +0100 http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=218681 Incomplete post medieval copper alloy nail with bent and torn head. It measures 65mm (the shank is a little bent) and weighs 12.08g. The shank is rectangular in section (8.5x7.2mm below the head), narrowing to a sharp point. The head is sheet metal and c.1mm thick. 17th century + Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:14:05 +0100