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PESTLE
Unique ID: SOM-CD2498
Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Part of a cast copper-alloy handle, probably from a pestle, probably Post Medieval in date (c. AD 1600-1900 AD). The remaining section has a small button at the complete end (a flat ended circular expansion 7.5mm in diameter) and an octagonal sectioned shaft which widens and thickens out rapidly at first from the complete end then continues to widen and thicken more gradually to the old break at the other end (from 6.7mm to 12.2mm). Just before the break is an expanded collar (18.9mm by 15.0mm). The collar is rectangular with rounded corners, providing flat sides to prevent it rolling. The remaining section is 65.9mm long and weighs 48.25 grams.
Though broadly similar in form to items recorded on this database as post-medieval pestles (see SWYOR-154DC7 and KENT-414B85, HAMP-636366), this object differs in that it is undecorated has no grinding surface at the remaining terminal. A secure identification would rely on the survival of the grinding head. Broadly similar examples are however illustrated online and Lindsey (1927:81, fig 15E) illustrates a 17th century pestle that similarly comes to a small terminal at one end, althoguh has more elaborate collars. Such pestles would be used domestically and by trades such as apothecaries.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1900
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 65.9 mm
Width: 18.9 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 48.25 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 1st October 2013 - Thursday 31st October 2013
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: SCC receipt 16613
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Somerset (County)
District: West Somerset (District)
To be known as: Carhampton CP
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsay, J. S. | 1927 | Iron and Brass Implements of the English House | London | The Medici Society |
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Timeline of associated dates
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