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Description: | A complete pair of cast copper alloy nut crackers, of Post Medieval (Late 18th Century) dating.The nut crackers consist of two identical parts hinged together at the top. The upper part is made up of two solid plates, which are sub semi-circular in section, with three flat areas decorated with foliate like decoration. The inside surface has four lines of triangular nicks designed to hold the nut in place. Below this is an ornately turned area with a repeating designs of plain collars either side of a collar decorated with frequent vertical lines. The 'handles' are located below the turned area, and consist of a rectangular section area, which curves initially away from the main area and then tapers back in, terminating with turned out points. An oval space is formed between them. The outside of the handles has been decorated by an incised V shape pointing towards the centre, located both top and bottom.On the inside surface of one of the handles, the letters 'TB' have been stamped. The finder has identified this as the maker's mark belonging to that of Thomas Bingham of Birmingham, operating between 1774 and 1793 AD.The nutcrackers are a dark green / brown colour, with an even surface patina. Minimal abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has occurred, leaving the nut crackers in a good condition.They measure (closed): 107mm long, 34.4mm wide and 12.9mm thick. Open, they are 206mm long, 16.1mm wide and 12.9mm thick. They weigh 71.0 grams.Several other complete or nearly complete nut crackers have been recorded on the PAS database including: LVPL-EDF472, LEIC-E45056, YORYM-606167 and HAMP3159. Of note is a pair from North Yorkshire, recorded as SWYOR-EE9E14, as they demonstrate the same maker's mark as this pair.
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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