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AMPULLA
Unique ID: SF-24B792
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete yet heavily distorted pilgrim's ampulla dating to the Medieval period, c. 1350-1500. It is broadly flask-shaped, with a widened neck tapering to its midpoint (where two triangular suspension lugs are visible) before flaring outwards to form a sub-circular lower body. The body itself is decorated on both faces; one side demonstrates the characteristic 'scallop-shell' pattern created by a series of moulded radiating ridges, while the other demonstrates a sub-oval central panel decorated with crosshatching, bordered on its outer edge by a single row of pellets. The mid-section of the ampulla seems to have been intentionally squeezed from both sides in order to crush it, presumably in order to release the contents. Preserved in fairly good condition despite the damage, it measures 53.10mm long, 25.45mm wide at the widest point of the body and c. 4.71mm thick at the midpoint of the lower body. It weighs 31.1g.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 53.1 mm
Width: 25.45 mm
Thickness: 4.71 mm
Weight: 31.1 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 13th February 2017
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: Suffolk Coastal (District)
To be known as: Framlingham
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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