VESSEL

Part of a lead alloy object, possibly the base and attachment for a handle on a large lead-tin (pewter) jug, possibly of Roman date. The piece has a sub-rectangular shape for 65 mm in length and gradually widen from 13.5 mm on the base to 20.5 mm near the top. From this point of maximum width it tapers again for 21 mm in length to a rounded, broken and worn, tip. The base is thinner and turned out at 20 degrees angle, moulded with a raised edge.

The lower part of the piece is convex on the front and reaches the maximum thickness of 10.6 mm at the point of maximum width. It is slightly concave on the reverse, curving from side to side, with a slightly irregular surface. There is no evidence of rivets or attachment points and it can suggest soldering as the attachment method. The front appears plain, there is a the possible suggestion of two raised hemi-sperical bumps near the top of this section but they could also be the result of corrosion.

The upper part is roughly oval in cross section but continues to have the slightly paler, possible soldering surface on the back and is in line with the lower part at the back..

The surface is worn, corroded and pitted with a dark grey patina. The piece measures 88.5 mm in length, 20.5 mm in width, 10.6 mm in thickness and weighs 50.88 g.

The slighty concavity on the reverse suggest this point was soldered onto a curved surface, possibly a vessel. The upper part could hae continued on to form a handle but this is too incomplete to be sure. The piece was found on a site with a large amount of Roman material but also some more modern pieces. Large lead-tin pitchers or jugs are known in the region and proably produced locally from the Mendip lead.