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Description: | Incomplete silver bodkin (or head-dress pin) consisting solely of the openwork head and upper shaft, the lower shaft, including the pointed tip are lost due to an old break. The shaft is rectangular in section with bevelled edges on both sides; the shaft is pierced with multiple rectangular slots. The shaft expands at the junction with the openwork head which is broadly oval in shape. At the tip / head is thickened rounded knop with faceted edges. The openwork head consists of several interlocking elements which is best described as scroll and reverse S shaped bands. These have been cast and the elements between have been pierced and shaped with a file. The upper face is further embellished with a series of incised carved designs, which separate the two patterns. One is formed with long graceful incised curves whist the other elements with punched horizontal and vertical bands. This incised decoration extends on the upper face onto the shaft which is decorated with vertical lines and partial foliate-embellishments. The lower / reverse face is plain and undecorated. All tool / file marks have been polished away and the metal has a black patinated surface.Dimensions: Length; 46.3mm, width; 15.6mm width, 4.2mm thickness across knop, 1.7mm across body of bodkin. Weight: 3.84 gramsDiscussion and Dating:Large numbers of these have been reported through the Treasure Act (1996) all being dated period 1500 - 1650 (see Treasure Annual Report 2005/6; pages 135-137 cat no's: 575-602). There is some debate over function with some being suggested as head dress pins or dress-pins whilst others associated with needlework and lace making. The openwork nature of the head of this bodkin is very unusual; its decoration on one face and decorative nature both suggest it being used as an item of dress.StatementThis object was found before 1996; at the time the discovery of this item would have been covered by the 'Treasure Trove Laws' when single items of precious metal were not routinely reported by finders. The Treasure Trove Laws rely on the premise that items could only be declared treasure trove (property of the Crown) if they had been hidden (buried in most cases) with the sole intention of recovery. It is my opinion that this artefact was not buried with the sole intention of recovery and therefore does not constitute a potential Treasure Trove Case.References: --- 2008 Treasure Annual Report 2005/6. DCMS, LondonPeter Reavill
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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