Rights Holder: Sussex Archaeological Society
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
NEEDLE
Unique ID: SUSS-118EB6
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A probable cast copper-alloy needle of uncertain Roman to Post Medieval date. The needle shaft is oval in cross-section and has a flat threading-end with a circular hole pierced through the diameter of the shaft approximately 13.6 mm down from the flat end; the needle tapers from this end to a point. The pointed end is now substantially bent and slightly damaged. It is probably a heavy duty needle: however sail needles and those used on leather are sometimes square in section and most of the examples recorded on the PAS database feature elongated sub-oval threading-holes. It could also be a bodkin used to sew laces through pre-exising holes, which would suggest a more specific Medieval or Post Medieval date. It measures 100.8mm long and 4.6mm diameter at the break and it weighs 7.5 grams.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 100.8 mm
Weight: 7.5 g
Diameter: 4.6 mm
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: ITV Arundel Castle Event Britain's Secret Treasures, No. 250
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: Lewes (District)
Parish or ward: Ditchling (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TQ3113
Four figure Latitude: 50.901624
Four figure longitude: -0.13839
1:25K map: TQ3113
1:10K map: TQ31SW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: SUSS-CB74D2
Object type: NEEDLE
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Cast copper alloy square sectioned item tapering to a point at one end, now slightly bent. The other end has an old break across a transverse …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: SWYOR-11F431
Object type: NEEDLE
Broadperiod: UNKNOWN
A silver probable needle of unknown date, probably Roman to Post Medieval, AD 43 - 1700. It is broken across the head, so that most of the ey…
Workflow: Published
Find number: SUR-337D9D
Object type: NEEDLE
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
A long (99.7mm) bent square-sectioned copper alloy rod which has a pierced eye or loop (with evidence of wear from heavy thread or cord) at o…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618