WEIGHT

A Post Medieval cast copper alloy weight dating to circa (AD 1625 - 1649). The weight is circular in plan. The upper surface has a lipped rim and two fine low-relief concentric rings in the centre. Within the concentric rings is a centrally placed circular incision. At the centre of the front face of the weight there is a circular indentation which is where the maker would have shaved the weight to make it the correct weight. At the 6 o'clock position there is the Founders Company mark of a ewer which was stamped on approved weights. At the 11 o'clock position there is the royal cipher, a 'C' which is surmounted by a crown. The 'C' represents Charles I. At 12 0'clock there is a dagger, which represents the sword of St. Paul. And at 1 o'clock there is an 'A' for Averdepois. The reverse face has a central incision and concentric rings across the surface, this is also possible evidence of the weight being manipulated to gain the correct measure. The surface of the weight has a well-developed light to mid green patina. The royal cipher of Charles I dates this weight to 1625 to 1649. Biggs (1993: p.51) illustrates a Charles I lead weight with the crowned C and sword of St Paul that represents London. A similar example can be seen on the database discovered in Coddington, Herefordshire (WAW-BA2A82)

The weight measures 40.3mm diameter and 5.9mm thick, weighing 51.6 grams.

Biggs, N. (1993) English Weights An Illustrated Survey. Powys, White House Publications.