AMPULLA

An incomplete lead or lead alloy ampulla of the Medieval period dating from c. AD 1200 - c. AD 1400.

The lead flask is rounded with a tall sub-rectangular flaring neck and retains the stubs of an attachment loop on the rightand a full attachment loop on the left which joined to the neck and provided a means of attachment. The faces of the object would have been flat or slightly convex, but have been pressed in, or flattened. Both faces have cast raised line decoration. On one face is a quatrefoil with long petals with a central raised line, there are smaller petals in each of the spaces, and a cross hatch design behind. The other side is less clear, showing a cross hatched heart with stylised crown and central lis above.

The object measures 53.4 mm in length and is 24.6 mm wide at the top, and 31.9 mm wide at the base. It has a thickness of 7.2 mm and weighs 48.0 g.

The object is a mid grey in colour with an uneven patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil has resulted in the loss of some of the original suface detal. Similar examples are illustrated in Salisbury Museum Catalogue part 2, Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, no.186 (quatrefoil side), no.184 (crown side). A similar example has been recorded on the database as DOR-DA62A6.

Ref:

Spencer, B. (1990)Pilgrim Souvenirs & Secular Badges.Salisbury Museum Medieval Catalogue Part 2. Salisbury, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum.