UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An unidentified copper alloy sub-oval object, possibly part of a dagger or sword pommel of likely Post-Medieval date or a walking stick top.

The object is a hollow dome, with a stretched oval plan, more pointed (narrower) at one end than the other, and D-shaped profile. At the apex of the dome is a circular perforation (c.7.2mm diameter). The object is highly abraded, but appears to survive to its original edge around much of its circumference,

The inner surface of the object is plain however the outer surface has moulded decoration that is symmetrical, barring abrasion, through a line drawn down the length of the object. Between the central hole and the more narrower end of the object this decoration takes the form of a raised T shape. This may be intended to represent a face with the T representing a heavy eyebrow ridge and nose. To either side of the pierced hole are two facets. One a semi-oval terminated by the base of the object the other a spiral motif that increases its height as it curls towards its centre. Between these spirals and also placed between the central hole and the rounded end of the object circle are two further raised arched ridges c. 5.5mm wide that curve upwards and outwards from the central hole to the outer edge of the object.

The object is covered in a dark green patina that is abraded across most of its surface. In addition, traces of white metal are preserved in and around the T shape.

The artefact measures 46.7mm long, 27.3mm wide, 11.7mm thick and weighs 30.89 grams.

No exact parallels to this object have been identified. It may be that it is a pommel cap like PUBLIC-B188A2 although of much later date or a head of a walking stick with a very worn rams head design. The manufacturng style, white metal coating and form suggests a later, post medieval date, c. 1700 to 1900.