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VESSEL
Unique ID: DUR-D0B6B8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A rim fragment of a copper alloy vessel of Medieval to Post-Medieval date (AD 1400-1750). The object is the rim of a large vessel, most probably a cauldron or posnet. The fragment is broadly triangular in plan and tapers outward slightly towards the lip. The outer surface has a blackened appearance due to sooting. The inner face is smooth and has an uncorroded patina.
The thickness varies across the fragment and shows rough casting of the object.
Crudely made cast copper alloy vessels were widely used from c.1200-1800 for serving and cooking. Butler and Green (2003; 15) state 'there is evidence that (cast copper alloy) metal cooking vessels became increasingly common during the 13th and 14th centuries'. While certain specialist cast copper alloy vessels such as skillets remained in use later 'bronze cauldrons in general seem to have been superseded in the early years of the 18th century when their place was taken by cast-iron vessels which were cheaper to make and more durable to use.' (ibid: 22).
The metal is a mid-green in colour with a slightly pitted patina on the outer surface.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Circa AD 1750
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 45.21 mm
Width: 53.73 mm
Thickness: 3.17 mm
Weight: 20 g
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Fragment
Spatial metadata
Region: North East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Darlington (Unitary Authority)
District: Darlington (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Walworth (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: NZ2318
Four figure Latitude: 54.55672242
Four figure longitude: -1.64588148
1:25K map: NZ2318
1:10K map: NZ21NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler, R. and Butler V. | 2001 | A Study Collection of Marked Domestic Brass and Other Base Metalware c.1600-c.1900. | Devon | Marwood House | 15 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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