VESSEL

Incomplete cast copper alloy object, possibly the lid from an inkwell or similar. This object is circular in plan, mostly flat in section with a slightly domed centre. It is decorated around the edge with a moulded, beaded border. The main face of the object is flat for approximately 5mm of its diameter before it rises into the shallow dome. The dome is decorated with a central, domed boss, 7mm in diameter. This boss is then surrounded by two, raised, moulded concentric lines 3mm apart. Beyond the last line, the circumference of the dome is decorated with a moulding of transverse narrow rectangles that run for its entire circumference, that give the appearance of tightly packed petals. Finally the bottom edge of the dome has an integral moulded band around its circumference. To one side of the object are the remains of an integral circular loop. Only the short neck and bottom of the loop survive, but it is clear to see that it was set at approximately 80 degrees upwards. This would make it a convenient lever for the thumb, if this was a ‘flip top’ lid. The reverse of the object is concave to the reverse of the dome and plain. The object has been treated since discovery and has a mid green patina. Break edges on the loop are worn, suggesting damage occurred in antiquity. The object has a diameter of 49.68mm and is 7.8mm thick at the dome. The remains of the loop are 6.18mm long. The object weighs 27.82mm. Given the condition of the object and the neo-classical design on the boss, it probably dates to the 18th century.