Rights Holder: Somerset County Council
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
VESSEL
Unique ID: SOM-2AC285
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A cast copper alloy fragment from a two-part handle from a drinking vessel (probably a tankard) of probable post medieval date (cAD1600 to 1800). The fragment consists only of the thumb rest. One end is a round based straight sided flat plate with a central hole with the broken copper alloy rivet still in place. Above this, along the straight top edge, is the groove for the thumb rest bar. The piece then has a rectangular flat tab which widens out symmetrically into two 'wings' at the upper corners. The wings are slightly convex on the front and flat backed and in plan are curved ending in a round knop, one of which is damaged. The wings are decorated with incised angled lines giving them a twisted appearence. The fragment has a mid-green patina on both sides with areas of blacker coating.
The fragment measures 30.30mm in length, 31.22mm in width at the 'feet', 3.37mm in thickness and weighs 8.44g.
Other similar vessel handles, probably for tankards with flip top lids, are recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see records: SUR-36BD50 and HAMP-322D72. This style of thump piece was also used on other vessels for example on this silver chocolate pot from Williamsburg: https://www.history.org/history/museums/collections/Metalwork.cfm
Class:
Tankard
Sub class: Handle
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 30.3 mm
Width: 31.22 mm
Thickness: 3.37 mm
Weight: 8.44 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st July 2018 - Monday 24th September 2018
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: SCC receipt 017943
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Devon (County)
District: North Devon (District)
To be known as: Burrington
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: SOM-53C5AB
Object type: VESSEL
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Possibly a cast copper alloy fragment from a two-part handle from a drinking vessel (probably a tankard) of probable post medieval date (cAD1…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: SUR-402686
Object type: VESSEL
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
A fragment from the handle of a post medieval glazed whiteware (Surrey / Hampshire borderware) straight-sided drinking vessel of ear…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: BERK-026A5A
Object type: VESSEL
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A cast copper alloy hinged handle from an uncertain vessel, possibly a ewer or a tankard, of later medieval or post-medieval date. The handle…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618