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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy chafing dish handle, of Late Medieval to Post Medieval dating (c. AD 1400 to c. AD 1600).The handle can be described in two parts: the loop handle and the attachment. The handle was originally an inverted 'T' shape in plan, and circular in cross section. It now consists of a square sectioned bar in a straightened 'S' shape. Filemarks are present on the handle. The handle attachment or lug would have originally been fixed to the chafing dish vessel wall and consists of a oval shape with a recessed collar at the base. A sub circular hole is present in the oval end, through which the handle is located. The internal diameter of the hole is 7.27 mm.The handle measures 43.29 mm in length, 21.77 mm wide and 5.27 mm thick. It weighs 7.9 grams. The lug measures 23.88 mm in length, 15.45 mm wide and 9.20 mm thick. It weighs 14.5 grams. Together they measure 34.17 mm in length. 40.61 mm wide and 15.45 mm thick. Together they weigh 22.5 grams.The handle is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail. The patina has flaked away from the surface in a couple of areas, leaving a lighter green colour. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion from occurring (a bright green powdery residue). To reduce the risk of this happening, the chafing dish handle should be stored in a sealed air tight dry box, such as a sealed tupperware box, lined with acid free tissue paper and silica gel.Chafing dish handles are frequently encountered finds, and many examples have been recorded on the PAS database. They were domestic utensils made of metal or earthenware for holding burning charcoal or other combustible material. This was then used to cook food or keep it hot at the table. Chafing dishes with this type of handle were frequently used during the Late Medieval to Post Medieval period (15th to 17th Centuries AD).
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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