HOOK

A complete copper alloy hook, probably of Post medieval dating (AD 1700 to AD 1800).

The hook has a square sectioned body. The top of the hook has been flattened to create a circular head. A circular perforation is present in the centre, with an internal diameter of 3.1 mm. A small copper alloy loop is attached to the hook by this hole. The hook gradually tapers down to an upturned hook, with a blunt rounded point. The hook has an 180 degree bend present. The terminal is slightly expanded.

It measures 54.8 mm in length, 8.7 mm wide (head), 2.7 mm (hook) and 11.3 mm thick (including hook), 4.1 mm (not including hook, beneath head). It weighs 5.5 g.

The hook is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina.

A similar square sectioned hook, albeit made from iron, has been published as no 970 by Goodall (1983, p 141). This example has been dated to AD 1760 to AD 1780, but it is reasonable to assume that hooks like this would have had been in use for significantly longer. Hooks were used as part of a chain. Chains were used to support vessels over fires, secure doors and gates and form part of cart fittings and harnesses.

References:
Goodall, I, 1983, Iron chains, links and chain fittings. In Margeson, 1983. p140-141.
Margeson, S. 1983. Norwich Households. Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey excavations 1971-83. East Anglian Archaeology 58.