DRESS FASTENER (DRESS)

Treasure Case 2010 T38 Post Medieval Dress Fitting

Date of Discovery: 3^rd October 2009

Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector.

Description: Incomplete post medieval pewter dress fitting. Only the main body, decorated with a cast a six petalled flower design, survives. There are two worn breaks at the apex, where the attachment loop would have been located. There is a further break on the opposing edge, from the missing hooked terminal. At this break, an iron core is clearly visible. There is iron corrosion around the break and also on the reverse of the fitting and in the recesses of the flower design. In its current condition, the fitting is 15.57mm long, 14.51mm wide, 1.72mm thick. The thickness increases to 3.27mm thick at the projection from the missing hooked end. It weighs 2.07 grams.

Date: Post Medieval

Discussion: The fitting was reported as potential treasure based upon its 'silver' colouration. However, after examination, it is evident that this dress fitting is pewter with an iron core. Although the fitting may be over 300 years old, it does not qualify under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) due to insufficient precious metal content.

Laura McLean Finds Liaison Officer, Essex. Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service. March 2010