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Description: | Cast cu-alloy seal and/or pipe tamper, probably dating from the later medieval period (ring) and/or post-medieval period (pipe tamper), i.e. ca. AD1500-1800. The artefact seems to be composed of two separate object, i.e. a late medieval seal ring and a short staff which was probably part of a pipe tamper. When the original pipe tamper handle broke off, this ring was attached instead. The ring itself is best the inscription 'WA' on the bezel, probably the abbreviation for the first and last name of the owner. If it is a personal seal (which it probably is), it will be difficult to trace the original owner. The initials enclose what looks like a holly tree/bush or possibly an apple tree. The seven pieces of fruit (as well as the cross at the bottom of the legend) might indicated that the wearer was a Christian or somehow related to the church. The apple tree/holly bush is either growing on soil or on water; the wavy lines underneath it could be either. The pipe tamper is made from sheet metal, probably enclosing a short staff made from another metal or even a wooden handle (there is no evidence for this to be seen on the outside). The artefact is complete in itself; there are no breaks or obvious damage.
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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