VESSEL

An incomplete copper-alloy zoomorphic spout of Medieval date, c. AD 1400 - 1500. The spout is from a copper alloy vessel, either a ewer or a laver. The spout is tubular with a zoomorphic head terminal in the form of a dogs head with gaping jaws that clasp a circular tube (7.3mm in diameter) that protrudes from its mouth by 3.19mm and is considerably worn by old breaks. The head iteself consists of a raised brow section which is square in plan which then curves downwards to form the dog's muzzle which takes the form of a small triangular knop with a curved apex. When viewed side on one can clearly see that beneath the brow there are slight triangular shaped indentations, though no distinct eyes are present. Similarly towards the back of the head are two integral recessed rectangular ears the tips of which are square and protrude 1.85mm above the head.

From the reverse of the head a narrowed neck extends widening sharply to an extended open terminal at which point the spout would have been soldered to the vessel proper. One side has a oval break, directly below the dog's ears measuring 10.88mm in length and 5.69mm in width, the edges of which are considerably jagged and thin suggesting a casting flaw.

It is 41.96mm in length to the point at which it joins the main body of the vessel, and has a maximium width at the head of 13.00mm , narrowing to 9.95mm behind the head and 9.36mm at the muzzle. The section that joins the main body of the vessel is 46.33mm in length and 14.53mm wide narrowing to 7.27mm. It weighs 31.68g

A similar spout is illustrated in J.M. Lewis "Bronze Aquamaniles and Ewers" (1987), Finds Research Group Datasheet 7, p.5, fig.8a, from Cardiff Castle moat and is dated to the 15th century. Similar examples have also been recovered from Oxford, Dorchester on Thames, Netherhall & Maryport and many similar examples are recorded on this database such as YORYM-178D04.