BODKIN

A Silver Bodkin from the Kimbolton Area, Herefordshire

Treasure Number: 2016-T812

PAS Database Number: HESH-E4DC57

Period: Post Medieval

Date of Discovery: Before October 2016

Circumstances of Discovery: metal detecting

Description:

The pin is rectangular in plan and sub-hexagonal in cross-section. The head is slightly rounded and the pin tapers to a narrow, rounded point. At the head of the pin is a circular perforation measuring 2.14mm in diameter. Below the circular perforation is a narrow rectangular slot measuring 10.97mm in length and 1.75mm in width. The pin has been bent into an irregular semi-circular shape and there are four deep scratches in the back and side of the pin towards the narrow terminal point.

The pin has been inscribed with two sets of initials on either side of the rectangular slot along the shaft of the pin, which read EL, with seraphs on the letters. The edges of the shaft are bevelled. The back of the bodkin in undecorated. The bodkin is a mat silver in colour with blackish grey patches showing signs of slight tarnishing. There are also some lighter scratches along the shaft.

Dimensions:

Length: 69.39mm; Width: 2.25mm; Thickness: 2.63. Weight: 8.6 grams

Discussion:

This style of pin can be dated to the Post Medieval period, specifically the late 16^th to 17^th centuries AD. When straight the bodkin would have measured 113.2mm in length. Similar examples of silver bodkins with inscribed initials have been recorded as treasure on the PAS database, these include: a silver bodkin inscribed with A*E found in Wychavon in Worcestershire (Bolton 2016), a silver bodkin inscribed with MS or SW found in Goodworth Clatford, Hampshire (Williams 2016) and a silver bodkin inscribed with the initials MB found in Ellerker, East Riding of Yorkshire (Griffiths 2015).

Statement:

In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal the authors believe that this find qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

References:

Bolton, A (2016) WAW-B29549: A post medieval bodkin from Wychavon, Worcestershire.

Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/767342

Williams, D (2016) SUR-283BA8: A post medieval bodkin from Goodworth Clatford, Hampshire.

Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/775131

Griffiths, R (2015) YORYM-025E55: A post medieval bodkin from Ellerker, East Riding of Yorkshire.

Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/724818

Authors:

Dr. Susheela Burford (PASt Explorers volunteer)

Peter Reavill (Portable Antiquities Scheme)

Ludlow Museum Resource Centre - May 2017