Rights Holder: Birmingham Museums Trust
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Unique ID: HESH-10E82B
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Cast lead or lead alloy bi-convex decorated spindle whorl of Roman to Post Medieval date (1 - 1650 AD); most probably medieval date (AD 1300-1550). The spindle whorl is circular in plan and bi-convex in profile. Both faces have a cast rim around the edge and also a similar rim around the circumference of the inner hole. The central hole is broadly circular and has been cast / set slightly off centre; it has an internal diameter of 8.4mm. The upper and lower faces are decorated; the upper is decorated with radial lines which are crossed by a single circumferential rib - the panels on the outer edge are decorated with raised pellets. The lower face is decorated with an irregular sun-burst pattern formed of opposing zig zag radial lines forming a non-symmetrical wedges a series of large pellets ae irregularly positioned within these. The spindle whorl is a light grey cream colour with an even but heavily eroded patina. Spindle whorls are used for a long period of time and as such are very difficult to date precisely without other evidence (such as pottery). This form is often attributed to the Medieval period.
The whorl measures 34.2mm diameter, is 8.7mm thick. It weighs 35.06 grams
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1
Date to: Circa AD 1650
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 8.7 mm
Weight: 35.06 g
Diameter: 34.2 mm
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Other reference: Shropshire Museum Service Entry Form: SHRMS: 00877
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.