STEELYARD WEIGHT

Unique ID: HAMP-82F1C1

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Notes:

Similarly-shaped steelyard weights from the medieval period are often decorated with shields (often that of Richard, Earl of Cornwall) which are often seen (Ward-Perkins 1954:172-3). The steelyards were cast in copper alloy then through a hole in the bottom the correct amount of lead was poured in to achieve the desired weight (ibid.).
Steelyard weights were made on behalf of Edward I (AD 1272-1307), however copies were made; as this example does not bear any arms it is probably an unofficial copy. Most steelyards of this type date to the 13th century, with the use of the steelyard was banned in 1350. Similar examples on this database are BERK-A78A01, BUC-27A735, SOM-563D55, DOR-9B08D5, IOW-883434 and NARC-A39A55">NARC-A39A55 - the latter of which is decorated with inscribed shields.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1350

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 67.6 mm
Height: 67.6 mm
Width: 48.6 mm
Weight: 614 g
Diameter: 48.6 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 1st January 2015 - Monday 27th April 2015

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: Hampshire Museums Entry Form 4275

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Lead Alloy
Completeness: Incomplete