NLM-125B07: Medieval mirror case

Rights Holder: North Lincolnshire Museum
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MIRROR CASE

Unique ID: NLM-125B07

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation Find awaiting validation

Lead alloy with iron mirror case. Cast half of a circular case with a top loop through which passes an iron or steel pin, presumably for the hinged opening of a two-part container. The interior of this half is c.2.5mm deep. The outside display face bears six concentric circles modelled in low relief around a central motif, possibly a cross with flared ends to its arms. The object would have contained a mirror, possibly of polished steel given the rusty staining within the case, and such objects are thought to be linked to devotion at various shrines both at home and abroad (e.g. Aachen, Germany). It is thought the mirror would be used to observe a shrine by its purchaser, and would henceforward retain some part of its efficacy when opened for 'use'. There are several dents and scratches which obscure the exact character of the central motif. Suggested date: later Medieval, 1350-1500.

Diameter: 34.5mm, Height (with loop): 39.5mm, Thickness: 1.7mm, Weight: 20.70gms.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1500

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Height: 39.5 mm
Thickness: 1.7 mm
Weight: 20.7 g
Diameter: 34.5 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Monday 13th October 2014

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: NLM26531a

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead Alloy
Secondary material: Iron
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete

Spatial metadata

Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: North Lincolnshire (Unitary Authority)
District: North Lincolnshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Winteringham (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: SE9221
Four figure Latitude: 53.67737737
Four figure longitude: -0.60870507
1:25K map: SE9221
1:10K map: SE92SW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

Audit data

Recording Institution: NLM
Created: 9 years ago
Updated: 3 years ago

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