BALANCE

An incomplete copper alloy, probable balance arm from a steelyard, of Medieval dating (AD 1300 to AD 1500).

The balance arm has a plain spherical terminal (diameter 6.3 mm)at one end, and an incomplete forked end at the other. This end exhibits an old break across a circular hole. The forked end has been flattened. Between both ends, the balance arm has a circular cross section. A U shaped notch is present 19.7 mm away from the spherical terminal. The arm exhibits an obtuse bend in the centre.

It measures 65.4 mm in length, max width of 6.3 mm, min 3.3 mm and is 3.3 mm thick. It weighs 5.4 g.

The balance arm is a mid brown colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of most of the original surface.

This artefact is similar to those recorded on the PAS database as WMID-73930E; LVPL-E52F39; NCL-C0C467; SWYOR-295A65 and SWYOR-4D6FE5, which have been identified as balance arms, of Medieval dating (AD 1300 to AD 1500). It does bear some resemblance to that of Roman nail cleaners, due to the forked end. However the forked end on this artefact is the result of post depositional break, as opposed to being deliberately, which would indicate that it is not a nail cleaner.