UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An incomplete copper alloy artefact of uncertain function and dating.

The artefact is sub rectangular in shape, with triangular sides. Both ends are incomplete, with old predepositional breaks. One end is rectangular, the other is sub rectangular with concave faces. In describing the artefact, it can be dividing into two. The top half has concave faces front and back, with a prominent raised stop ridge on the reverse face. The lower half has flat sides which curve upwards to meet the stop ridge on the reverse. The front side is flat with a minimal stop ridge. The sides are flat.

It measures 69.8 mm in length and 24.7 mm wide. It is 7.5 mm thick at the top, 22.6 mm thick in the middle and 14.4 mm thick at the base. It weighs 144.5 g.

The artefact is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

No direct parallel has been found for this artefact at the time of recording. It bears a strong resemblence to a palstave but the change of the sides are inconsistent with that identification. Post medieval skillet handle is another possible identification.