Rights Holder: The British Museum
CC License:
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Unique ID: BERK-423FEA
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A nearly complete copper ally harness bell of probable Medieval date, c. AD 1250-1400. The bell consisted of four sub-triangular 'petals' of sheet metal which were folded inwards to meet in the centre, forming a closed, sub-oval chamber. From the top of the bell projects an integrally cast shaft which terminates in a small loop for attachment. Bells of similar form have been found with traces of gilding (e.g. BERK-BDC75C), and as parts of horse harness sets (e.g. BUC-B5A456, LIN-FD3808, SF-D74876), although its use as a clothes accessory is equally possible, making a later Medieval date more likely
Notes:
Oxfordshire & West Berkshire PAS Record Sheet No 62A
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1250
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Length: 25.74 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 24th September 2017
This object was found at Detecting for Veterans - Englefield, Berks 24.09.17
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
4 Figure: SU6272
Four figure Latitude: 51.44360665
Four figure longitude: -1.10930101
1:25K map: SU6272
1:10K map: SU67SW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.