Rights Holder: National Museums Liverpool
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Unique ID: LVPL-E42CA9
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy spindle whorl of Roman to later Medieval date (1100 - 1500 AD). The object is circular in plan and bi-conical. It has a central circular perforation measuring 9mm in diameter. Both sides of the object have been decorated with raised worn lines which radiate down from the perforation.
The main body of the object is surrounded by a sub-oval sectioned band. This outer band joins the main body of the spindle whorl via eight lentoid sectioned 'spokes', resulting in seven sub-rectangular perforations, or openwork decoration, around the central piece and one which is filled in. The surrounding band appears to have been decorated with ridges which are now worn. The object has a light white patina and is in good condition.
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 type is relatively rare and probably of medieval date. A similar whorl has been recorded from Newport, Shropshire HESH-8B3944, LVPL-0DB767 from Saughall, and LVPL-EC512B from Barrow, Cheshire.
Dimensions: 30mm in diameter, 8mm thick, 16.7g
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 16.7 g
Diameter: 30 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st July 2016 - Tuesday 2nd August 2016
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Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.