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Description: | An unidentified copper-alloy artefact, probably dating from the Early-Medieval period.The object is of flat section and is sub-crescentic in plan, the bottom side being convex, the two upper sides angling upwards from the corners and meeting at a central point. The edges of this blade-like element have been bevelled and there is also a gradual decline in thickness, from the left-hand side to the rounded tip at the right-hand end. Immediately below the apex, there is a circular perforation of hourglass profile. Both sides are decorated by a perimeter border line comprising a series of punched crescents, each with an inner pellet.At the left-hand end, two parallel vertical grooves mark the termination of the 'blade' and the start of a horizontal, handle-like projection. A pair of oblique grooves are located at the inner end of this flattened-oval projection, with a further two deep vertical grooves further along its length; to the left of this is an irregular, damaged end.The artefact has a bright green patina and the break is also well patinated, suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity.Length: 37mm; height: 11.5mm; thickness: 2mm. Weight: 2.58g.No parallel could be found for this piece and its function remains uncertain. Despite its resemblance to a knife, the small size, choice of material and presence of the hole would seem to preclude this possibility. It is likely, therefore, that this is a purely decorative item: a miniature representation of a knife, designed to be worn as a pendant. A clue to the dating is offered both by the vivid green patination, typical of Early-Medieval artefacts, and by the presence of the pellet-in-crescent stamp mark, which is a motif commonly employed in the decoration of 5th to 6th century small-long brooches (see West 1998: fig. 50, nos. 5, 7 and 9).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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