UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A copper alloy unidentified artefact, possibly a mount, possibly of Early Medieval date about AD 410 - 1066, but also equally possibly much later in date. It is sub-circular and uniface, with a small, central, circular perforation. The edges of the disc are bevelled, so the upper face is larger than the reverse. The face carries a moulded design consisting of eight lines radiating from the central perforation to the rim, each line curved into a shallow S shape and dividing into two at the outer end. They could be interpreted as zoomorphic elements, perhaps legs. There is a single pellet close to the rim between each pair of lines. Some of the spaces between the motifs are filled with further raised pellets. The central perforation is surrounded by an uneven raised annulet, perhaps just displaces metal if the hole was made from the reverse as a later addition. The outer rim is also raised and has a narrow groove running around it, though neither rim nor groove is complete, possibly as a result of poor casting or later damage. Although the artefact appears to be copper alloy, it responds slightly to a magnet. The artefact has a smooth, dark brown patina with green verdigris and a brassy metal showing through in places. It is 30.1mm in diameter and 3.3mm thick. It weighs 11.16gm.

A close parallel for this object has not yet been found, and question marks remain over its date and function. possibilities to consider are a mount, perhaps from a hanging bowl, or a crude brooch component if it is Early Medieval. It could also be a Post Medieval furniture fitting, or the bevelled edge could suggest that it fitted into a frame or a container or vessel as a lid.