PIPE TAMPER

A complete copper alloy pipe tamper, of Post Medieval dating (Late 17th Century AD).

The tamper is freestanding, consisting of a cylindrical grooved base and stem, with a flat panel body depicting the scene in relief. The scene shows an crowned bust facing forwards. The crown is double arched. The bust has long wavy shoulder length hair The face has prominent eyebrows, sub circular eyes, a triangular nose, a wide moustache and possibly a short beard on his chin. Clothing wise, he is wearing a doublet or jerkin with prominent shoulders, with a high sided cravat or collar around his neck. A chain or collar of office present, sat on his shoulders. The reverse is plain and undecorated.

The pipe tamper measures 72.7 mm tall, 30.8mm wide and 6.5 mm thick. The tamper base has a diameter of 6.4 mm. It weighs 15.1 g.

The pipe tamper is a dark brown colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

From the hairstyle and clothing, it is reasonable to assume that the pipe tamper protrays King Charles II (AD 1660 to AD 1685) or possibly King Charles I (AD 1625 to AD 1643). Finds of Royalist memorabilia are relatively common, the most common being the cufflinks depicting two hearts, meant to signify the marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza in AD 1662.