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BRIDLE BIT
Unique ID: SF-4DC517
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete cast copper-alloy fragment originating from an Anglo-Scandinavian bridle cheekpiece of Williams' type 2, dating c. 1000-1100. The fragment is broadly triangular in plan, consisting an upper sub-rectangular (and rectangular sectioned) element with a notch in one edge that transitions into a plano-convex sectioned tapering projection which terminates in a prominent circular knop. The upper rectangular-shaped portion of the object is decorated with non-zoomorphic ornament consisting of a now largely missing pendant lobe with two opposed spiraloid motifs. The reverse of the fragment is plain, slightly dished in places. Preserved in fair condition with somewhat abraded surfaces, it survives to a length of 45.49mm, 21.31mm wide at its upper section, and 4.39mm thick at the midpoint of the tapering projection. It weighs 18g.
A similar fragment of a cheekpiece has been recorded on the PAS database as SUSS-C989B3. See also Williams 2007 (3) fig. 6. Few of these forms survive complete, but the original object would have demonstrated a symmetrical tapering projection on its opposing face centred around a large aperture at its midpoint (to accomodate the iron bit) and a further projection/loop at its upper edge to connect the cheekpiece and reins.
Class:
cheekpiece
Sub class: Williams type 2
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Scandinavian style
Date from: Circa AD 1000
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 45.49 mm
Width: 21.31 mm
Thickness: 4.39 mm
Weight: 18 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 8th February 2018
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Fragment
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hampshire (County)
District: Basingstoke and Deane (District)
Parish or ward: Upton Grey (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU6948
Four figure Latitude: 51.22702945
Four figure longitude: -1.01323871
1:25K map: SU6948
1:10K map: SU64NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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