VESSEL

Medieval copper alloy vessel handle, 109mm in length, 49mm wide and 17mm thick with a weight of 75.65g.

The object has a rectangular form and cross section with a zoomorphic projection at one end. It consists of a staple shaped handle which has a rectangular cross section, aligned so the handle has ridges on top and bottom. This is decorated with a central swelling flanked by a narrow transverse collar. The object has sub spherical knops on its outer two corners at it terminates in outward turned ends, one of which still has the suspension loop and zoomorphic terminal intact. The suspension loop is ovoid in form and rectangular in cross section with a slight lip and a recessed circular cross sectioned fixing prong. The terminal is rectangular in form and circular in cross section and is decorated with a lip on one side of its outer end, probably representing a snout, behind which is a curved depression and then a rounded ridge, representing eyes/brow. To the sides behind this are pointed oval shaped depressions for ears and the far end has an incised groove for the mouth.

The object is a hinged drop handle for a large laver or similar bowl. IOW-6E4393 includes a ref. to an excavated example 'A very similar handle has been found in archaeological excavations at Victoria Street ("Baynard Castle Dock") in London. This example has been tentatively dated c. 1270 - c. 1350 (Egan 1998: 175, ref: 487). See also WMID-2A2DB5 IOW-D3FF71 KENT-73C75C