UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A copper alloy object in the form of an acorn, of uncertain date, but possibly Roman, AD 43 - 410. It is an elongated three dimensional acorn shape, of circular cross section. The solid object has a suspension loop projecting from the cup of the acorn, suggesting that the acorn hung upside down. The acorn has a rounded apex, unusually long and straight sided body (cylindrical) and a simple cup with a rounded base and no surface decoration. The suspension loop is rectangular in cross section and has damaged edges, making its original shape unknown. There is a small (1.8mm diameter) hole with wear on one face. The object is 36.9mm long and 10.3mm in diameter. The flat suspension loop is 7mm wide and 2.8mm thick. It weighs 10.59gm.

Several similar objects have been recorded on the PAS database, but opinion over their function and date varies. Examples include SUR-6EF954, HAMP-7210C2 (on which a trace of gilding indicates a Medieval to Post Medieval date), SUR-2FBA66, LIN-715186, DEV-5D4E8E, YORYM-5C1B40, ESS-BEC514, LEIC-9EB72C, LIN-500531, NCL-E15D17, LVPL811 and YORYM-CE8FC4 (which is recorded as a Roman steelyard weight and cites a similar example in 'Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, (Hattatt 1989, 472 -473, ref: 172).)

Suggested uses for these objects include pendants, weights, steelyard weights, plumb bobs, and clock weights. The shape and patina of this example could perhaps indicate a Roman date.