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Description: | Cast copper alloy fragment of unknown date or function: It is highly likely that this fragment is either part of a pull handle from a piece of furniture of post medieval date (1600-1800) or alternatively be an unusual variant of a small - long bow brooch of Early Medieval date (600 - 800 AD). The vast disparity between these two functions is caused by the unusual nature of the head-plate; in that pierced head plates for the incision of rivets is almost unparalleled in brooch typology - the use of a gilt finish is also highly unusual. These two points may actually point to a much later date post medieval date.The artefact is incomplete being broken across the lower part of the bow / handle. In plan it is irregular being formed from a relatively flat sub-rectangular plate, from the lower edge of this a sub-rectangular projection extends, forming a D shaped bow. In cross section the artefact is also irregular being sub-rectangular across the plate and D shaped across the projection. The plate is pierced in three places; two of these are filled with the remains of iron rivets. The empty hole is not recessed and has a diameter of 2.5mm. The pierced holes are irregularly positioned with two parallel ones at the top, followed by another below and toward one edge; it is possible that this is a repair. A further (fourth) hole may be present at the very edge of the plate, although this seems to be incomplete and encrusted with iron corrosion. The projection extends from one edge and tapers along its length, it is relatively uniform in curve and the break at the midpoint is relatively old being patinated and abraded / worn. There is no cast or incised decoration present, the upper surface has applied gilding whilst the lower is plain and undecorated. The artefact measures: 45.9mm length, is 17.5mm wide across the plate, 6.8mm width across the bow, 2.8mm thick across the plate and 3.9mm thick across the bow. It weighs 11.05 grams.The fragment is a mid green colour with a well preserved and polished green patina. The edges of the artefact are slightly abraded and there is no evidence of corrosion present. As mentioned a direct parallel has not been found. Similar small-long brooches can be seen in McGregor and Bolick, Ashmolean Museum Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections; see section 15 specifically 15.43-15.51 which all have pierced head-plates, although a direct parallel with similar piercing to this example has not been found. Similar draw fittings and handles can be seen on 17th and 18th century furniture, but a direct published example has not been found.
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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