HOOKED TAG

Specialist Treasure Report for H.M. Coroner:

2015-T764: A silver blunt hooked tag / dress hook from Briston, Norfolk

HM Coroner: Mrs Lake

District: Norfolk

Date: Later Early Medieval (AD 750-1000)

Findspot: Briston

Date of discovery: 19th September 2015

Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector

Description:

The hooked tag is formed with a circular plate which is pierced by two circular perforations positioned at one end. These holes are unworn and circular (2.5mm). At the opposite end is a complete rearward-facing hook which extends horizontally from one edge and curves backwards ending in a curved hook with a sharp point. The hook thickens and changes section along its length, from a slight rectangular section to a near square shape at the terminal. Neither the upper or lower faces of the plate are decorated, however a significant area of scratching / abrasion is present; this cuts through a mid grey coloured surface patina and is therefore recent.

Dimensions:

Length 20.1mm, width across the plate 12.6mm thickness at same point 0.5mm. Width across the hook 1.8mm thickness at the same point 1.5mm. Weight: 0.78 grams.

Discussion:

This is a well-known type of hooked tag, belonging to Read's (2008) Early Medieval Class A Type 2 and Lewis and Naylor's (2013) type A1.x being circular in shape with no decoration present. This form of undecorated example is relatively rare; whereas decorated examples with two perforation holes are more common with many being silver examples being declared treasure and recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database For example this decorated hooked tag from Haveringham, Norfolk (Darch 2015). Hooked tags have been broadly dated to the eighth to eleventh centuries; the decorated examples can be more narrowly dated based on chronological stylistic designs; however this example being undecorated could date from any point within this date-range.

Metal Content:

I believe that the precious metal content (silver) of the dress fastener fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act in that it is greater than 10%.

Statement:

As this object is made of more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old, it constitutes Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.

References:

Darch, E (2015) NMS-B81F01: An early medieval hooked tag from Haveringham, Norfolk. Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/715570

[Accessed: Oct 22, 2015 5:02:44 PM]

Lewis, M. and Naylor. J. with Traherne, E., 2013. Anglo-Saxon 'Hooked Tags' Classification. Available online athttp://www.academia.edu/3445469/Anglo-Saxon_Hooked_Tags

Read, B., 2008. Hooked-Clasps and Eyes: A Classification of Sharp- or Blunt-Hooked Clasps and Miscellaneous Objects with Hooks, Eyes, Loops, Rings or Toggles. Langport, Somerset: Portcullis Publishing

Author:

Peter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer: Portable Antiquities Scheme