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PIPE TAMPER
Unique ID: IOW-5606A2
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete post-Medieval cast copper-alloy tobacco pipe tamper (c. 1800-c. 1900).
This tamper is in the form of a naked female (Venus) standing in a classical pose. One hand is resting on the left hip and the other is raised above the head holding a vessel from which water pours. The face is glancing upwards to the left and the facial features are not well defined. On the back of the figure, wavering lines running vertically may represent flowing hair or water being poured from the vessel in the hand. The breasts are small and the female genitals are apparent. The feet rest upon a turned base in the form of a column which is flat on the underside.
The figure is largely rough matt green but is smoothed and purplish brown on the breasts, buttocks and on the rear of the legs.
Height: 77.1mm; width: 26.7mm; thickness; 9.7mm. Weight: 36.14g.
Similar pipe tampers have been recorded on The Portable Antiquities Scheme database. See finds: HESH-4BA792 and YORYM-628701.
It is likely that this tamper dates from the Roman revival of the 19th century, fitting into the risqué or bawdy examples of pipe tampers popular during this period.
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1800
Date to: Circa AD 1900
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 77.1 mm
Width: 26.7 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 36.14 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 2nd February 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2014-2-96
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: WMID-2EB414
Object type: PIPE TAMPER
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
An incomplete Post-Medieval copper-alloy tobacco pipe tamper, dating to circa AD 1800-1900).
The tamper is in the form of a naked female, …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: HESH-4BA792
Object type: PIPE TAMPER
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Cast copper alloy pipe tamper of post medieval (early Modern) date (probably 1800-1900). The tamper is in the form of a naked Venus (female n…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: YORYM-628701
Object type: PIPE TAMPER
Broadperiod: MODERN
An incomplete cast copper alloy pipe tamper of post-medieval to modern date. The tamper is in the form of a naked female figure standing wit…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
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