WEIGHT

A complete lead or lead alloy weight of the Medieval to Post-Medieval period, dating from c. AD 1200 to AD 1800.

The weight consists of a globular oval shape, with an integral triangular suspension loop at the top of the weight. The loop is bent back slightly towards the reverse, and is lozenge (diamond shaped) in section. A vertical ridge is present around the midline, probably a remnant from a two piece mould used in the casting process. There is a vertical groove from the centre of the loop running a third of the way down the object front and back. There is a raised border around the edge of the object.

It measures 47.3 mm in length and is 16.1 mm wide. It has a thickness of 8.3 mm and is 4.6 mm thick at the suspension loop. The object weighs 27.0 g (0.95 oz).

The weight is an off white colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil has resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail, as well as some damge to the reverse.

Numerous functions for such objects have been suggested including as fishing net weights or sinkers and while such objects are difficult to date with any degree of certainty without contextual evidence or any diagnostic features they are most likely to be of medieval to post-medieval date (Egan 1998, p.310).

Several similar weights have been recorded on the PAS database. For examples see: WMID-53C343, LVPL-95D566 and SWYOR-FD5874.