BODKIN

TREASURE CASE : 2014 T421.

A fragment of a silver dress pin of bodkin type. The main body of the bodkin fragment is rectangular in both plan and section though one end is broken. The opposite end tapers slightly to a rectangular collar from which a fluted bowl style terminal with folded over end projects. A circular perforation is present through the widest portion of the fluted terminal, close to the rectangular collar. A central rectangular slot is present bordered at the top and base by short and shallow, crudely incised lines and to either end by transverse double banded incised lines. From the outermost of these lines to the terminal end of the bodkin nine incised lines which decrease in size from the centre to form a triangle are present. A stylised four-petalled flower is present at the opposite end of the slot before a third set of transverse double banded incised lines. The bodkin then splits into two arms representing the remains of a second rectangular slot though both arms are broken with the remainder of the object lost. The decoration is mirrored on the reverse of the bodkin.

Dimensions:

Length: 58.9mm; Width: 5.7mm; Thickness: 2.8mm; Weight 4.9g.

Thickness: 2.8 mm

Weight: 4.9 g

Discussion: The form and decoration are similar to other examples dated to 17th Century. Numerous examples have been reported as Treasure and recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme's database including: 2013 T878 (DENO-347042), 2012 T105 (NARC-3BF6A1) and 2011 T498 (DENO-7A5936).

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.