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Description: | A white metal plated copper-alloy fragment from an uncertain artefact type and date.The fragment is formed from a single peice of copper-alloy. At one end is a sub-square cross-section, 3.5mm x 3.4mm, which has then been twisted to form a barley-sugar twist design. This twisted section survives to a length of c.18.9mm terminating in an irregular worn break. At the opposite end of the twisted shank the metal flares out and thins to a maximum width of 12.6mm and thickness of 0.7mm, and also ends in an irregular worn break. This zone is bent into a curve but it is uncertain whether this is part of the intentional design or the result of later damage. The fragment weighs 4.32g, and has a curved length of 57.0mm.The probable presence of faint decoration seems to be present on the surface of the outer side of the curve occupying the area where the flattened zone tapers towards the twisted shank. Two transverse parallel lines identifiy the end of the twist, these appear to be single grooves but might possibly be formed of very closely set almost over lapping punch stamped dots. Between these two lines, that are set 1.6mm apart, are two diagonal parallel lines. As the fragment thins and widens there seems to be decoration formed of small punch stamped dots. See the annotated image for an impression of what seems to be present (depicted in blue). On all surfaces of the fragment patches of a white metal plating survive, See the annotated image for the location of the plating on the outer side of the curve (circled in orange).Discussion:The date of this artefact is uncertain. The colour of the metal and style of the possible decoration might indicate a relatively modern 18th century AD to modern date. If the fragment is electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) this would date the artefact to post mid.18th century AD to modern. If the artefact is of this date range it is likely to be a fragment of a spoon with a short section of the twisted handle shank and part of the handle terminal surviving, the terminal designed with a rearward curve. See Moore, S., 2005 Spoons 1650-2000 Haverfordwest : Shire Publications Ltd. although no exact example is included. A search of the internet for 'twisted handled spoon' reveals that this is a form still being made.Alternatively the fragment could be part of a late Roman spoon-probe with barley-sugar twisting on the shank, see PAS record LVPL-F18B2F and Crummy (1983, 61; refs. 1926, 1927).Another reference from the Brandon excavations suggests an Early-Medieval date, no.4739.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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