UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An iron socketed artefact of uncertain date and function, possibly an agricultural implement, spear or polearm head. This item weighs c.500.0g and appears to be mostly complete, probably with slight damage at the socketed neck end.

The artefact has a length of 312.0mm terminating at one end in a gently rounded point. The metal is rusty and it is uncertain whether the rounded terminal is the original shape. At the pointed terminal the artefact has a thickness of 3.4mm. The blade increases in width away from this tip to the maximum width of 59.4mm where the thickness has increased to 25.9mm. The edges of the object then curve in to form rounded shoulders. Approximately 28.0mm of the total object's length accounts for the blade, from the tip to the start of the neck. The neck at this socketed end has a width of 26.2mm before starting to flare out again. This end is incomplete but reaches a width of at least 27.3mm. The edges of the socketed neck are open, it is uncertain whether this is by design or the result of damage. The top and bottom of the neck flare out in thickness to 33.9mm. This seems to have continued to increase however one side is now missing, thus the full original measurement has been lost. The socket has a depth of at least 75.3mm, the incomplete condition of the neck suggests that this would originally have been a greater measurement.

The blade of the artefact has a pointed-oval cross-section.

Discussion:

Dr Inall has kindly commented "... It is difficult to tell from the image, but the elliptical/lenticular section and the flared socket opening suggest to me that it is probably an agricultural tool or pick-head. I haven't seen any spearheads with sockets that shape. I couldn't entirely rule out a spear without a closer look at it. The shoulders are very spear-like, but I am not entirely convinced".