PENDANT

Treasure case 2017 T881: Disclaimed and returned to finder

Description: A small fragment from a silver crucifix consisting of the terminal of the right arm of the cross and the left hand and upper arm of Jesus. The piece is flat on the back and plain with a relief moulded front. The cross arm has a triangular cross-section at the break and ends in an elaborate trefoil terminal. Each 'leaf' of the trefoil is oval with a recessed inner part decorated with radiating lines and a raised outer part. The hand is moulded in detail with fingers.

Dimensions: The fragment measures 10.6mm long, is 13.8mm wide and 2.7mm thick; it weighs 0.92g.

Discussion: Medieval crucifix with similar elaborated trefoil terminals include 2016 T216 (Williams 2016) which has a similar form of cross arm, 2010 T460 (Tyacke 2010) and 2011 T622 (Burnett 2011) both of which also cite a silver crucifix from a 14th- or 15th-century female burial in the north aisle of St Peter's, Barton-on-Humber (Gilchrist and Sloane 2005, 88, fig. 46). A similar 14^th-15^th century date is therefore suggested for this piece.

Considering the late style of the inscription and the dates assigned to other rings with this maker's mark, the ring cannot definitively be dated to pre-1717, and therefore falls outside of the terms of the Treasure act.

Laura Burnett

Finds Liaison Officer for Devon and Somerset

November 2017

Bibliography:

Burnett, L (2011) "SOM-B1AD78: A MEDIEVAL PENDANT" Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/465100 [Accessed: 23 Nov 2017 16:36:11]

Gilchrist, R. and Sloane, B., 2005 Requiem: the medieval monastic cemetery in Britain London : Museum of London Archaeology Service.

Tyacke, A (2010) "CORN-F373E2: A MEDIEVAL CRUCIFIX" Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/402303 [Accessed: 23 Nov 2017 16:38:08]

Williams, D (2016) "SUR-28AD81: A MEDIEVAL CRUCIFIX" Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/775156 [Accessed: 23 Nov 2017 16:36:58]