UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An incomplete and worn cast gilt-copper-alloy object of uncertain date and function, although likely 1000-1800.

Description: The object remains irregularly shaped due to breaks and but has a crescentic top, worn and broken at one side, followed by lozenge shaped collar, below which is an openwork plate. The openwork lower section tapers slightly inwards before widening outwards with curved sides although the full extent and exact shape of which is uncertain due to wear. The object has an irregular mid brown with slight purple hue mottled with light green patination with some traces of gilding on. there is also some upper surface decoration which is unfortunately to worn to be certain of. The reverse is flat and undecorated.

Measurements: 25.76mm long, 18.21mm wide and 1.25mm thick and 1.75g in weight

Discussion: The exact identity and age of this object is uncertain, it shares rough affinitiies with 11th century Anglo-Scandinavian metalwork and also early High-Medieval material of the 12th and early 13th centuries. While that is all being said the patination and thin gilding is also seen on a number of pieces of 18th century metalwork which tend to survive poorly in the ground. The function is also uncertain as it seems to thin and flimsy for an 11th century harness fitting and the central rivet in the collar seems to suggest it is a fitting. An escutcheon plate for a key is one possibility but the openwork area seems too wide for this. It is not therefore possible to be certain of date and function at the time of recording.