Rights Holder: Durham County Council
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
WEIGHT
Unique ID: DUR-39612F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete lead Heater Shield Shaped Weight of Medieval date (AD 1300-1550). The object is shield shaped and plano-convex in section. The upper face of the object has a design of two Fleur De Lis in relief and a boarder which respects the outline of the object. The mass (3.85 oz) suggests this weight may represent a four ounce weight in the Avoirdupois system. The object has a number of incised lines on both faces which were probably caused post-depositionally.
The metal is a dark brownish cream in colour with a predominantly smooth and uncorroded patina.
Height: 38.28mm, Width: 32.77mm, Thickness: 13.54mm, Weight: 109.20g.
Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Database: NLM-8C96D9, YORYM-900020 and YORYM-722502
Notes:
Biggs & Withers (2000, p.34) discuss the difficulties in dating shield weights as links between documentary evidence and artefactual evidence are difficult to establish. Their longevity with various qualities of workmanship and numerous designs employed over a long period of time also make dating difficult.
Biggs & Withers (2000, p.35) also state that the crowned-lis device employed on shield-shaped lead weights is a feature commonly found in the North of England.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1550
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 38.28 mm
Width: 32.77 mm
Thickness: 13.54 mm
Weight: 109.2 g
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Heraldic
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Richmondshire (District)
Parish or ward: Gayles (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: NZ1306
Four figure Latitude: 54.44923371
Four figure longitude: -1.80102654
1:25K map: NZ1306
1:10K map: NZ10NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: LANCUM-66B039
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A complete lead trade weight of medieval to post-medieval date. The weight is shield shaped and is decorated on the upper surface with a crow…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: LANCUM-715308
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A complete lead trade weight of medieval to post-medieval date 1380-1600AD. The weight is shield shaped with a circular perforation through t…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: LANCUM-BEC914
Object type: WEIGHT
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A complete lead shield shaped weight of Medieval date (AD 1400-1500). The shield weight is a uniface form with a raised central section with …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618