Rights Holder: National Museums Liverpool
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Unique ID: LVPL-07BC11
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete cast lead or lead alloy flat spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (43 - 1650 AD).
The spindle whorl is sub circular in plan, and rectangular (flat) in cross section. The central hole is sub circular in shape and has been cast off centre. The internal diameter of the hole measures 10.43 mm wide. No traces of decoration are present on either the upper or lower faces.
The whorl has a diameter of 26.78mm and is 11.24mm thick. It weighs 49.8 grams.
The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina. The whorl has suffered from a minor degree of abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil.
Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time, however lead alloy spindle whorls of this type are normally attributed to the Medieval period (c. 1100 to 1450 AD). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick linen or wool fibre being spun, as there is a direct relationship between the weight of the whorl and the thickness of the resulting thread. Fine threads such as silk require a lighter whorl than those used to spun wool or linen.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 1650
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 11.24 mm
Weight: 49.8 g
Diameter: 26.78 mm
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Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1000 metre square.
No references cited so far.