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SPINDLE WHORL
Unique ID: WMID-DBCC9D
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete lead or lead alloy bi convex decorated spindle whorl, of probable Medieval dating (AD 1100 to AD 1450).
The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and lentoid in section. Both the upper and lower surfaces are plain, with no decoration easily visible. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 10.8 mm.
The whorl measures 25.2 mm in diameter, and 9.5 mm thick. It weighs 24.8 g.
The whorl is of a light to mid grey 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.
Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time, however lead alloy spindle whorls of this type are normally attributed to the Medieval period (c. AD 1100 to 1450 AD). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick linen or wool fibre being spun, as there is a direct relationship between the weight of the whorl and the thickness of the resulting thread. Fine threads such as silk require a lighter whorl than those used to spun wool or linen.
Class: bi convex
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1450
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 24.8 g
Diameter: 25.2 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 11th May 2014
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Staffordshire (County)
District: Staffordshire Moorlands (District)
Parish or ward: Bagnall (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SJ9250
Four figure Latitude: 53.04720262
Four figure longitude: -2.12078405
1:25K map: SJ9250
1:10K map: SJ95SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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