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SPINDLE WHORL
Unique ID: LVPL-10D611
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A cast lead alloy spindle whorl dating to the Medieval period, (AD1066-1500). The object is circular in plan and bi-conical. It has a central circular perforation with an internal diameter of 7.33mm. Each face of the object is decorated with eight ridges creating 8 panels. Within every second panel are three moulded pellets.
Within the remaining panels are moulded letters which on one face consist of a possible G/I/J while only an I and X can be identified on the opposite face. It is possible that the script is pseudo-runic, intended to imitate a script. If not entirely fictional and imitative, it is possible that the runes may relate to an individual's name, or perhaps are a religious inscription.
One edge of the object has been extensively damaged in recent times, probably due to the plough. The object has a dark grey patina and is in fair condition.
Similar examples of spindle whorls have reportedly been found in contexts dated from the Roman through to the Post-Medieval period although the majority are typically dated broadly to the Medieval period c.1100-1500.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 7.18 mm
Weight: 14.5 g
Diameter: 24.7 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st February 2014
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
County or Unitary authority: Warrington (Unitary Authority)
District: Warrington (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Rixton-with-Glazebrook
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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