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Description: | Pointed oval made of lead weighing 248.90g with a maximum thickness of 24mm and measuring 94mm by 55mm. One face is domed asymmetrically so that one edge has a steeper slope than the other. On the gradually sloping area is a circular indentation 14mm in diameter and 2mm deep. The other face is flat. The object is covered in white corrosion, much of which has fallen off the domed face.Many similar objects have been discovered (17 through the PAS database, e.g. WILT-B780A1 and DEV-C89F67), although there is some debate over their function. The most popular theory, first suggested by W Wyman of London (Bailey 1993, 64-5), is that these were palm guards, used by leather workers to protect their hands when sewing the thick material. They are thought to have usually been cast in oyster shells, and then wrapped in leather or cloth and strapped to the hand. Dates ascribed range from the 17th to 20th centuries.In support of this identification is the observation of Anna Tyacke (CON-D8C630) that similar objects of steel are currently used by sail makers in Cornwall. Objections are raised, however, because of the weight, which can exceed 300g (such as objects WILT-B780A1 and WMID-2EBFF5). No convincing alternative explanations can be found however.
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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