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Description: | A large fragment flattened lead artefact consisting of an oval shaped disc with scalloped edges, one end of which has broken away in antiquity and is missing. The 'pie crust' edges would have once been vertical walls. The letters I W are impressed into the centre of the oval from the side with the walls. The letters are visible in relief on the other face where they read "W I" but only faintly. Traces of a second identical disc survive, the two having been stacked together. The less complete disc is on the impressed and walled side of the first. It is visible on the walls, and its edges can be seen round the letters. The more incomplete disc has broken along the edges of the letters, so the centre is missing. It is not clear whether the two objects were impressed at the same time while they were stacked, or whether the two objects were impressed separately and then stacked. The lead is well patinated and white in colour. It is 53.1mm long, 52mm wide and 10.1mm thick. It weighs 83.11gm. A lot of melted lead has been found on the same field, suggesting a manufacturing site nearby. The identification or function of this object is by no means certain. As well as the possibility that it is the lid of a small vessel, it could also be part of a box (possibly for tobacco), some sort of mould, or a makers identification plaque. It has also been suggested that they could be lead seals from bottles. Other similar examples have been found which have initials or letters in relief. One has a 17th century date (?) in relief. Others have design such as a smiling sun. All the examples seen to date have been from North Yorkshire or the Bradford district, and they seem particularly common from the higher land of the Dales. Related finds are SWYOR-4A9911, SWYOR-4A7F61, and DUR-008DC3.
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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