PIN

Treasure Case: 2011 T695 Tendring District, Essex: Post Medieval pin

Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector

Date: Post Medieval - 16^th Century

Description: Incomplete early Post Medieval silver-gilt pin with filigree decoration. The pin shaft is incomplete but the spherical head remains. The head is decorated with six large filigree rings; three above and three below a midline, which is marked by two rows of filigree. Inside each ring there are three smaller rings arranged around a central knop. In between each of the large rings there is a smaller ring abutting the circumferential ridge with a knop above. There is another knop at the peak of the pin head. The remaining shaft of the pin is circular in cross section. A large proportion of gilding remains on the pinhead but is missing from the shaft. Not all of the knops are still remaining; some still visible but damaged and a couple missing altogether.

Length: 33.89mm Diameter: 10.93mm Weight: 4.2grams.

The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.

Disposition: Disclaimed by Colchester & Ipswich Museums

Report by: Samantha Matthews, Essex and Cambridgeshire Portable Antiquities Scheme Intern Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service 13^th December 2011