WEIGHT

A complete lead trade weight dating to the Medieval to Post Medieval period (c. AD 1380-1600). The weight is shield shaped with a circular perforation through the upper flat edge. A moulded relief design of three lions rampant left is present on the upper surface. The reverse is flat and undecorated. The metal has a light greyish-white patina and is worn.

The overall dimensions are as follows: 58.69mm in length, 42.72mm in width, 13.73mm in thickness and 318.93g in weight.

Discussion

As noted by Noon (2017) and Willis (2017), lead weights have been used in trade since the Roman period and were used for weighing quantities of coin as well as goods. Shield-shaped weights are a distinctive group of trade weights that were is use from c.AD 1380 into the15th century. Biggs & Withers (2000: 34, cited in Noon 2017; and Willis 2017) discuss the difficulties in dating shield weights as links between documentary evidence and artefactual evidence are difficult to establish. Their longevity coupled with various qualities of workmanship and numerous designs used over a long period of time also make dating difficult. It is probable, however, that some belong to the period following the conversion of the trade pound under the averdepois system and as such it is likely that these weights represent a desire to standardise the trade weight system.

References:

Noon, S (2017) LANCUM-4B01D1: A MEDIEVAL WEIGHT

Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/870065

[Accessed: 9 Aug 2018 15:16:57]

Willis, A (2017) DENO-C367EE: A MEDIEVAL WEIGHT

Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/877257

[Accessed: 9 Aug 2018 15:17:12]