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SWORD
Unique ID: SUSS-0371D1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Part of a copper-alloy pommel (end-cap) from a post-medieval sword. The upper surface of the cap is roughly circular (33.4 by 30.4mm) and domed with a concave back. It features a central circular protrusion (Dia.: c. 10.4mm, H.: 4.4mm) with a central hole (Dia.: 3.2mm) for the tang. Around this protrusion is a ring of pellets and then an equal armed cross formed of incised double lines. In each arm of the cross are, alternately, moulded cherubic faces and fleurs-de-lis. The faces are identical with eyes, nose, mouth and hair all moulded. The sides of the pommel are missing form old breaks. It weighs 12.23 grams. It is identical to HAMP-840FB8 which is a more complete example with the sides of the cap/pommel. HAMP-840FB8 has been looked at by Geoff Egan (Medieval - Post Medieval Finds Advisor) who suggests the decoration indicates dating perhaps as early as the late 17th century, but more likely from the first half of the 18th.
Two similar pommels in brass are published in North (2005, 27; fig. 10) from hunting swords. The grips of such swords tend to be in stag horn. Dating from hallmarks on similar silver swords give a date range of AD 1680-1720, with the published examples dated c. 1690.
Class: pommel
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 1680
Date to: Exactly AD 1720
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 33.4 mm
Width: 30.4 mm
Thickness: 10.6 mm
Weight: 12.23 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 30th November 2009
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: East Sussex (County)
District: Rother (District)
To be known as: Bexhill
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North, A.R.E. | 2005 | Brass mounted hangers from the Hounslow Sword-Mill | London | Antique Metalware Society | 27 | 10 |
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Workflow: Published
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Timeline of associated dates
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