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WHETSTONE
Unique ID: PUBLIC-D97F1F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete whetstone of probable early-medieval date (c. AD 800 - 1100).
Description: The whetstone is formed from a very fine-grained, sedimentary, mica-rich stone. It is sub-trapezoidal in plan with tapering sides and is sub-rectangular in cross section. Both ends are broken, probably in antiquity. Two sides are flat and smooth, with one having a 45mm long, thin groove, typical of those found on many whetstones and part of the sharpening process.. The other sides are slightly rougher and this may be due to post-depositional damage.
Measurements: Length 75.90mm: Width 16.68mm: Thickness 15.29mm: Weight 40.72g
Discussion: Dating of whetstones is difficult as they were used from the later Iron Age to modern times, however the stone is similar to other mica schist whetstones found at the same location.This, and associated finds, suggests an early-medieval date. The stone used is typical of those quarried in Eidsborg and the Telemark region of Norway from the Viking period up until the 1950's.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 800
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 75.9 mm
Width: 16.68 mm
Thickness: 15.29 mm
Weight: 40.72 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 4th April 2021
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Stone
Manufacture method: Hand made
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Lincolnshire (County)
District: East Lindsey (District)
To be known as: South Somercotes
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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