INGOT

A cast copper alloy ingot of unknown date. The ingot is sub-rectangular in plan and cross section; it tapers from a relatively thick narrow end to a thinner thicker one. The upper surface has a series of incised slightly diagonal lines applied to it. These lines are heavily patinated and form almost a deliberately delineated measure; however, the lines have been applied at random and are irregular in nature. The sides of the ingot are regular and it is possible that they have been hammered to that shape. The metal surface has a deep thick brown coloured patina which is much abraded and pitted. The patina would suggest a later prehistoric (Bronze or Iron Age 1500 BC – 100 AD) however it is possible that it dates from almost any archaeological period before the early modern period (1650 AD). A direct parallel has not been found – images have been sent to Dr Kevin Leahy (NAF: metalworking) and he has suggested that because the overall shape of the ingot and the graduated incised lines are reminiscent of those he has seen on ingots dated to the early medieval (late Saxon period, 750-1000AD), specifically those which are seen on ‘hack-silver’ ingots. A direct copper alloy parallel has not been found. The ingot measures 81.5mm length, 10.3mm width is 5.9mm thick and weighs 26.96 grams.