Rights Holder: National Museums Liverpool
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Unique ID: LVPL-0766BB
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper alloy fitting of unknown use of probable late Medieval to Modern date. The object has been cast in one piece and consists of a sub-circular attachment loop and an oval sectioned shaft. Where the loop meets the shaft is a sub-triangular collar projecting from the base of the sub-circular loop. 7.60mm below this is another smaller sub-triangular collar. The upper collar is decorated on each face with two transverse grooves while the lower collar is decorated on each face with a single transverse groove. The shaft between each collar is faceted creating a trapezoidal cross-section. File marks are visible where the facets have been created. It terminates with a rounded point and has a dark brown patina.
The function of the object is unknown however possible suggestions include use as a Post-Medieval wall spike to provide a fixing or as a loop to guide training wires for roses or similar.
A smaller example which is similar in form has been recorded on the PAS database as Burrill, C (2012) DENO-E16520 A POST MEDIEVAL UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/504586. The suggested function for this example is brooch or buckle pin while parallels have also been drawn between the item and the attachments points for chafing dish handles.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MODERN
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Quantity: 1
Length: 88.87 mm
Width: 18.33 mm
Thickness: 3.99 mm
Weight: 14.4 g
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st June 2014
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.