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Description: | Cast lead or lead alloy weight of probable medieval date (1200 - 1500). The weight is sub-triangular (triangular with rounded corners - shield shaped) in plan, and sub-rectangular in profile. It is also sub-rectangular in cross section. The front face has beveled edges and a central raised panel. At the top of the weight, positioned in the upper centre is a small oval cast tapering hole. This measures 4mm length, 3.2mm width. The shape of the hole is probably caused by wear from repeated use. The weight measures 45.5mm in length, 33.8mm width, and is 11mm thick. It weighs 114.28 grams (4.032 ozs or 1763.6 grains). The front face of the weight has a central sub-rectangular (shield shaped) raised panel. This panel measures 38mm in height and 26mm width. Within this panel are a series of cast decorations. However, these decorations have been affected by abrasion and so are not particularly clear. They may represent a lion rampant or possibly a bear and post. Around the outside of the shield is a deeply recessed border of small oval pellets arranged to form a rope-work pattern. The reverse of the weight is slightly dished (concave) and plain with no decorative elements. The weight is a mid yellow grey with an even patina which covers all surfaces. As mentioned above, the weight has been damaged in the plough soil and there are a couple of small linear gashes, as well as areas of heavy abrasion. This abrasion has made the weight asymmetrical. It is likely that this weight would have been used to measure items weighting 4ozs (1/4 of a pound). The armorial design on the front face of the weight has been damaged, therefore, a direct parallel is difficult to find. However, this style of weight is relatively common and a number are known. These examples are all dated to the medieval period, specifically the thirteenth century through to the late fifteenth centuries (1200 - 1500): Biggs and Withers: 2000; Lead Weights. pages 34 -45.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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