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EAR RING
Unique ID: GLO-F6A0EF
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A gold loop of uncertain function made of square cross-sectioned rod that has been bent into a sub-circle shape, one side is slightly distorted and straight and the terminals are over-lapping. The rod is thickest at its centre and thinnest at the terminals.
Dimensions: Weight: 8.44g; Diameter: 22mm by 22mm; Thickness: 5mm (max.) - 1mm (min.)
Metal composition:
Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the ear-ring carried out by the British Museum's Department of Scientific Research indicated a surface composition of approximately 86-87 % gold, 11-12 % silver and at least 1% copper. The ear-ring weighs 8.44 grams.
Discussion:
Gold rod with square cross-section is a typical feature of both Middle and Late Bronze Age British ornaments (cf. Eogan 1994), but is rarely found in other periods. The precise form of the gold loop is not closely paralleled by other known examples bar and usual copper alloy penannular ring found in Hampshire (PAS-HAMP114), also of uncertain but probably later Bronze Age in date. The metal composition does not disagree with this statement. It is possible, on the balance of probabilities, to accept this as a prehistoric object.
Notes:
In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2016T61
Chronology
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Period to: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Circa 1500 BC
Date to: Circa 800 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 22 mm
Width: 23 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 8.48 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 3rd January 2016 - Sunday 3rd January 2016
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2016T61
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: South Gloucestershire (Unitary Authority)
District: South Gloucestershire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Iron Acton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: ST6683
Four figure Latitude: 51.54486289
Four figure longitude: -2.49168582
1:25K map: ST6683
1:10K map: ST68SE
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eogan, G. | 1994 | The Accomplished Art: Gold and Gold-Working in Britain and Ireland during the Bronze Age | Oxford | Oxbow Books |
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