Rights Holder: The British Museum
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Unique ID: CAM-218502
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
An incomplete gold dog brooch of uncertain date, possibly early Post-Medieval. This three dimensional brooch seems to have been hollow or at least the body was hollow. The dog is positioned left with the head turned forwards. One ear is missing however the ear nearest the tail survives in good condition. All four legs are missing and there is a break across the chest area that is now filled with mud. The curled tail survives. The nose, mouth and eyes are very detailed and the dog wears a loose fitting collar that swivels around it's neck. On the reverse a hinged pin, now bent, and catch plate are present. The dog's fur is detailed by little incised zig zag lines over it's body including the reverse side. Current weight including some mud is 10.13g, length is 37.38mm, length of body from chest to tail is 30.96mm. Surviving height of body is c.9.55mm, surviving height from top of head to lower break on body is 21.96mm. Thickness of head from back of head to tip of muzzle is 9.44mm. Approximate thickness of body is 8.05mm. The pin's hinge is 5.36mm long and the pin is approximately 25.00mm. The catchplate is 1.62mm wide and 0.59mm thick.
No parallels have been found to date for this artefact and as a result there has been much debate as to the date of this item. It could be mid to late 16th century. It compares to the salamander pendant in the 'Girona' shipwreck from the Armada. The quality of the gold and detailed craftsmanship also argue for a sixteenth century date. Perhaps a love token, with the dog as a symbol of fidelity.
Notes:
Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2011T937
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Quantity: 1
Weight: 10.13 g
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st October 2010 - Saturday 16th October 2010
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Treasure case number: 2011T937
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.