Rights Holder: The British Museum
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Unique ID: SWYOR-F86A02
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
Summary: Five gold objects dating to the 7th to 11th centuries were found in three batches over two days. No. 4 was found first, no. 5 the following day, and nos. 1-3 the same evening as no. 5 and in close association. Subsequently a further gold finger-ring and a lead spindle-whorl were found; these are recorded at SWYOR-3B5652 (2009T221).
1. Finger-ring set with a garnet (c. 900-c. 1000 AD). Dimensions: 42mm (length of bezel), 32mm (width of bezel), c. 11mm (height of bezel), 33.5mm (total height of ring), 3mm (thickness of hoop). Weight: 30.17g.
2. Finger-ring with enlarged bezel (c. 900-c. 1000 AD). Dimensions: width of bezel 16mm; maximum diameter 22mm; weight 9.48g.
3. Finger-ring with niello panels (c. 780-c. 950 AD). Dimensions: diameter of hoop 27mm; width of oval areas 5mm; weight 15.09g.
4. Gold ingot (c. 875-c. 1100 AD). Dimensions: length 19mm; width 9mm; thickness max 5mm; weight 8.35g
5. Cloisonné fragment (c. 600-c. 660 AD). Dimensions: 23mm x 21mm; Weight 3.44g
Scientific analysis: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of the five gold objects from West Yorkshire, carried out by the British Museum's Department of Conservation and Scientific Research indicated the following composition ranges: No. 1 = 86-90% gold, 6-8% silver, and 3-6% copper (the garnet was identified by Raman spectroscopy)
No. 2 = 77-81% gold, 15-17% silver, and 4-6% copper
No. 3 = 85-89% gold, 9-11% silver, and 2-4% copper
No. 4 = 75- 79% gold, 19-22% silver, and 2-4% copper
No. 5 = 88-92% gold, 4-6% silver, and 3-6% copper.
General discussion: The hoard is likely to have been buried in the 10th century at the earliest; the dating of the objects is based on stylistic as well as technological comparisons with other material. The hoard contains a cut fragment of an antique brooch, as well as four up-to- date pieces.
Notes:
The age and precious metal content of these items qualify them as Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996. Addenda to this hoard (one further gold finger-ring and a lead spindle-whorl) can be found under SWYOR-3B5652.
Information about this hoad has been published on the Yorkshire archaeological Society Medieval Section webiste: http://www.medieval.yas.org.uk/bl0g/?p=892
This is a find of note and has been designated: National importance
Current location of find: Leeds Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2008T553
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 700
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Quantity: 5
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 14th September 2008 - Monday 15th September 2008
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Treasure case number: 2008T553
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.
Find number: BH-E6D3F8
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
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Workflow: Published
Find number: HAMP-0B7C35
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A medieval finger ring set with three stones. The ring has a central oval shaped bezel set with a cabochon setting. An integral, rectangular …
Workflow: Published
Find number: ESS-0E1E7B
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
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Workflow: Awaiting validation