|
Date: |
|
Description: | Incomplete copper alloy weight of unknown function probably dating from either the late medieval or possible the post medieval / early modern periods (1400 ? 1800). The function of the weight is unclear due to lack of parallels; a number of suggestions may be valid. Firstly that it is part of a steel-yard weight, secondly that it is the clapper from a bell, and finally that it is the weight from a large clock ? possibly similar to that of a grandfather clock. The weight is broadly sub triangular (oval tear drop shapes) in plan and sub-circular in cross section. It expands from a broken oval shaped suspension loop at the top edge to a point just below the base; here it tapers to form a rounded base with a sub circular pointed knop at the very bottom. The weight is 129.4mm length, 47.5mm width, 47.2mm thick and weighs 708 grams (or 1lb 8 ozs).
There is no cast or incised decoration present on the weight. However, some areas of the weight seem to be encased within an iron sheet. This sheeting is relatively thin and adheres firmly to the surface of the copper alloy. It would seem to be thicker than that associated with iron panning in the soil and the weight as a whole has not taken on the orange colour associated with this natural process. The purpose of this iron is not understood, medieval steelyard weights are often lead weights encased by bronze sheeting but I have not been seen in this with bronze and iron. The weight (apart from those areas covered by iron) is a mid brown green colour with a relatively thick patina. This patina has been lost in some areas by movement in the ploughsoil. Where this has occurred a light green powdery corrosion product is present. The edges of the broken suspension loop are also well worn suggesting the damage is relatively old. A direct parallel has not been found and therefore the exact function and date of this artefact cannot be suggested. | Format: | text/html | License: | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Publisher: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Rights holder: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Subjects: | archaeology | Temporal: | 1400
1800 | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Peter Reavill | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
Weight
Incomplete copper alloy weight of…
-
WEIGHT
Incomplete copper alloy weight of…
-
Bell
Cast copper alloy bell of…
-
BELL
Cast copper alloy bell of…
-
Bell
Three fragments from a cast…
-
BELL
Three fragments from a cast…
-
WEIGHT
An incomplete lead probable steelyard…
-
WEIGHT
Cast lead or lead alloy…
-
Weight
Cast lead or lead alloy…
-
|