BUTTON

Cast lead alloy button or possibly token or weight of probable late medieval or post medieval date (1400-1700). The artefact is sub-circular in plan, and semi-circular (D shaped) in cross-section with the remains of a central rectangular lug on the rear. The button measures 28.2mm in diameter, is 8.6mm thick and weighs 20.06 grams.

The front face of the button is domed and is decorated by a series of raised cast linear lines and domed circular pellets. The button is divided into four panels by six linear ribs arranged in a cross (each arm of the cross is formed from three ribs). Within each divided quarter are three raised circular pellets joined together by more linear raised ribs to form an irregular triangle. The reverse of the button is undecorated. However, a vertical linear casting ridge is present. In the centre of the reverse of the button are the remains of two projections which would have formed the lug to attach the button to a clothing garment. The button is a mid grey colour with an even patina. The edges and reverse have been abraded. The design, decoration, and method of manufacture of the button is similar to a number of lead tokens of late medieval and post-medieval. Hence this example having a similar proposed date. Gordon Bailey has recently published a book on buttons and fasteners and this example is similar to his figure 6.1 which he dates to the medieval period pp16-17. With this artefact there is some question to function. The broken lugs on the reverse of the button are well worn and therefore indistinct. This might mean that they may be residual metal from the mould. If this is the case the artefact could be a uni-faced token or possibly a weight.