Rights Holder: Norfolk County Council
CC License: All Rights Reserved
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Unique ID: NMS-2AE576
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
Silver hawking vervel of ring type. D-sectioned band, flat externally and curved internally, with an engraved external inscription in roman capitals +HADLYGE • IN • SVF', probably referring to Hadleigh, Suffolk. A pair of faintly engraved guide lines are visible between the inscribed letters, and a faint X behind the initial cross.
External diameter 9mm. Internal diameter 6mm. Width of band 2.5mm. Weight 0.6g.
Discussion: For similar examples see: KENT-C245C7 (2007 T378), YORYM-2FB222 (2007 T183), BH-01EC33 (2007 T24) and BERK-6BD475 (2011 T461). Vervels were used in falconry to identify the owner of the bird, and were fixed to the leather jesses around a birds foot, possibly serving as a point of attachment for a leash. Often the name of the owner was inscribed on one of the vervels, and their place of residence on the other.
The form of the vervel and the style of writing indicate a possible late 16th or early 17th century date.
Notes:
The age and precious metal content of this item therefore qualify it as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Inscription:
+HADLYGE • IN • SVF'
Current location of find: Norwich Castle Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2015T629
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1550
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Quantity: 1
Width: 2.5 mm
Weight: 0.6 g
Diameter: 9 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 28th August 2015 - Friday 28th August 2015
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SMR reference number: 15635
Other reference: DT082015
Treasure case number: 2015T629
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.