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DIE STAMP
Unique ID: ESS-2E87D4
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
Cast copper-alloy die stamp, used for making foil mounts decorated in Anglo-Saxon Style II.
Flat and circular, now incomplete (missing a small area to one side). It is 42.3mm in diameter, 4.28mm thick, mass 30.44g.
The decoration consists of a central panel of four interlaced relief animals, their bodies marked by lines of dots, as can be seen on the great gold buckle from Sutton Hoo. The heads, marked by an eye set within an L-shaped rib, can be best seen at the top of the drawing. The central panel is surrounded by an elaborate border consisting of a ring of dots either side of a narrow band of relief interlace.
The die was employed in what is known as the 'Pressblech' process of making foil mounts. In this a piece of thin sheet metal was laid over the die and covered with sheet lead. This was then struck with a hammer, transferring the design from the die to the foil. The foils were then used to decorate other objects.
Compare NMS-808582, a Style II bracteate die which may have been converted into a weight.
Find of note status
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Class: Pressblech
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 580
Date to: Circa AD 700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 4.28 mm
Weight: 30.44 g
Diameter: 42.3 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st September 2001
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Essex (County)
District: Chelmsford (District)
To be known as: Roxwell
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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