2024-03-29T00:19:04+00:00https://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/jsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/xmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/rsshttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/atomhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/kmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/geojsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/qrcodehttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results83120Middle4Somerset100CountyEARLY MEDIEVAL1MiddleMetal detectorSOM72A155.JPG105781From finder1105331EMGilded0.7DistrictCertain1SOM43462800Restricted Accessx410224.79Mendip106272020-04-03T14:38:35ZReturned to finder2South WestCirca
Part of a large, Early Medieval gilded copper alloy sheet mount with slightly concave sides and chip carved spiralling interlace decoration, probably of 8th century date. The fragment has part of one long edge which has a shallow, concave, curve. There is an unrecessed border along this edge from which an unrecessed line projects at right angled to bisect part of a unrecessed line circle before ending in a circular hole in the opposite, broken edge. It seems likely that the mount, or this part of it, was symmetrical with a central circular hole encircled by a plain line circle and four plain lines radiating out in a cross to meet the edges.
The cells created within and outside the plain line circle contain chip carved decoration, probably again symmetrical. The designs described are unrecessed, defined by the chipped out, recessed areas. The central cells in each quarter of the circle hold trefoil decorations with a convex curved outer edge following the line circle and three rounded petals, one to each side and one to the centre. Part of two outer cells survive and contain an elaborate foliate design. Each design has a central stem growing from the inner circle. The stem widens gradually away from the inner circle and is formed of raised side lines with a pirifom (point at the base, rounded top) shape between. Each side line curls out at the top and spirals into a pattern that fills that part of the cell. The spirals also branch with the branches crossing in interlace within that area and have occasional triangular and piriform leaves with fine incised line decoration.It is possible there was also fine line incised work on the branches but this is now worn. Too little survives in the probable corners of the mount above the central stem to be sure of the design but it may have been another, similar, area of interlace. There may also have been further attachment holes, now lost.
There are traces of gilding surviving in some incised lines and in the recessed areas. The back is plain apart from some possible iron corrosion deposits. The broken edges are patinated and are irregularly bent and torn with rips in places.
The remaining fragment is 38.5mm long, 30.4mm wide and 0.7mm thick. It weighs 4.79g.
The spiralling, interlacing branching decoration, known as vine scroll and often inhabited by animals, although not here, is typical of the period around the 8th to early 9th century in England and is seen on various media including sculpture, manuscript art, ivory and embroderies (for example Webster and Backhouse (1991) nos.65, 66c, 114 all dated to the 8th to early 9th century). Parallels on metal work include linked pin sets with broad heads. In particular similar spiralling tendrils with very occasional leaves arranged into quartered designs divided by plain bands can be seen on SUR-34D906, SF-3B0761 and NMS-71CF44 on this database and in Webster and Backhouse (1991) nos.66c and no. 184-5, particularly the left hand pin of the former group. Similar thin line decoration is also found on Irish work but often with more interlace and less of a spiral effect.
The large, thin size of this item suggests it is a mount. While some large brooches and pin heads are known from this period they are mostly circular. It may have decorated a book, cross, shrine or casket, see Webster and Backhouse (1991) p.169-171 (side) for a book and cross with metal mounts. In particular their (ibid) example 107a (p.142), a mount from Whitby thought to be from shrine, has some similar spiral decoration in places. SF6577 on this database is a similar, although smaller mount. NMS-2F1687 is more comparable in size and again has wide plain bands dividing areas of foliate decoration. The style of interlace is however different on that example and is thought to be late 8th to 9th century.
Laura Burnett38.57Ston Easton CP2SOM-72A271100003612SCC receipt 018700EARLY MEDIEVALMOUNTRestricted Accessfinds-10000361130.46SOM-72A155Fragment700x41022images/elburnett/11098980PAS5E872A1500150842020-04-03T13:20:37ZCertainx41022147Regional importanceEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALProbablyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:12:35.883ZSomerset100CountyCastMEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorSOM71A289.JPG10578From finder1105334EM5.5DistrictCertain1SOM434621100Restricted Accessx4102210.34Mendip106272020-05-21T11:57:49ZReturned to finderSouth WestExactly
Probably the lower edge of an Early Medieval copper alloy stirrup-strap mount of Williams Class A, type 6, dating to c. AD 1000-1100. The fragment consists of the entire lower, straight edge and parts of the straight sides leading up at right angles before an irregular, worn break along the top which follows thinner, weaker points in the design. In the lower corners are circular attachment holes, one filled with iron corrosion. This corrosion continues across the back which is otherwise plain with no remaining flange.
The front is moulded into a design a central 'tree' with central stem and symmetrical branches which bend up and down. The base is flanked by animal heads with open jaws by the tree and bodies running up the (missing) sides of the mount. The central tree is flanked by thin vertical lines and has almost a vertebrae or spread-eagled person appearance.
The fragment is 45.8mm wide, 22.0mm tall and 5.5mm thick and weighs 10.34g.
This appears to be an example of a Williams Class A, type 6 stirrup-strap mount (1997: 42-44), typically dated to the 11th century. More complete examples such as those in Williams (ibid) and SWYOR-635850, ESS-DC2A79 and HAMP-EB4BD1 on this database show clear parallels to the remaining proportions of the design, in particular the central 'tree' and curled animal heads. .The lines flanking the 'tree' are harder to parallel and difficult to interpret on an incomplete example. It also has similarities to Williams Class A, Type 3 but the central branching stem rather than two legs and amount of detail on the wide lower section makes this a less clear parallel.
Robert Webley227Ston Easton CP3SOM-71ABAA1000026strap mount2Williams Class A, Type 6SCC receipt 018700MEDIEVALSTIRRUPRestricted Accessfinds-10000264145.86SOM-71A289Fragment1000x14221images/elburnett/11098925PAS5E871A2800195242020-04-03T12:12:40ZCertainx41022129EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Exactly47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALProbablyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:14.219ZLate4Somerset1CountyEARLY MEDIEVAL1MiddleMetal detectorSOM7CFC25.jpg10578GPS (from the finder)1106161EM2.4DistrictCertain4SOM10575900Restricted Accessx4102218.16Sedgemoor106272021-10-22T12:41:23ZReturned to finder3South WestCirca
Copper alloy plaque or possibly die of probably late 8th or 9th century date. The piece is flat and subrectangular, slightly curved along its long edges and therefore the short, straight ends are slightly angled. The front is decorated with a rectangular panel of indented decoration. The panel has a triple border formed of closely spaced oval pellets between fine lines. To one side an indented line continues from the border to meet one of the short edges. Filling the centre of this panel is a continuous interlace of two separate strands which both loop and cross in a complex repeating pattern. The back is plain but with areas of corrosion and a slight white metal sheen which may suggest soldering. There is no evidence of gilding or white metal coating on the front.
The entire object is 62.7mm long, 17.7mm wide and 2.4mm thick. it weighs 18.61g.
Susan Youngs (expert on Early Medieval material including that from Ireland) has kindly commented on this object and suggests (paraphased): 'I find the interlace looks normal for Anglo-Saxon work of 800 plus when a single line is often used. I attach a detail from the early 9thc Tiberius Bede BL Cotton MS Tib.Cii, fol 5v - p137 in (Webster and Backhouse ) Anglo-Saxon Art as evidence to show the interlace. The panel shape is curiously similar - although this is very slightly curved. For similar ornament in metal, ... in Wilson (1964) there is a modest plate from Whitby, cat. 112. Gwen Adcock’s interlace analysis in the Grammar of Anglo-Saxon Ornament has no exact version of this pattern which is of course more freely expressed with loops, but examples are similar enough to suggest a decent English cultural background.'
She suggests a function as a die and comparison was drawn by Jo Ahmet to a similar curved die supposedly from the collection of Lord McAlpine; found East Anglia, UK, in 1972. However that example has raised rather than the indented decoration seen here and it is hard to see how the fine line would work for a die as it would be as easy to chase it onto a new surface.
As an alternative it is suggested the piece is a plaque which was set into an item such as a shrine, casket, knife or comb handle but no precise parallel has been found. The weight and size would suggest it came from a large or robust item.
Helen Geake62.77Weare CP2SOM-7D4A529953272SCC receipt 018244EARLY MEDIEVALDIE STAMPRestricted Accessfinds-9953271117.710SOM-7CFC25Complete775x41022images/elburnett/11094477PAS5E57CFC20014F242020-02-27T14:18:42ZCertainx41022147Regional importanceEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALProbablyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:48.541ZLate6Somerset1CountyCastEARLY MEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorSOM34D147.jpg10578GPS (from the finder)1106164EM4.9DistrictCertain4SOM1057525.41050Restricted Accessx410222.56Sedgemoor118492021-07-15T14:15:26ZReturned to finder3South WestExactly
Late Early Medieval tin-copper alloy pseudo-nummular brooch of Weetch type 2.Ai. The brooch is circular with a raised, cast, design on the front of a left facing radiate crowned bust with multiple lines of drapery below and to the lower right and a pseudo legend to the left all within a double line beaded border. The nonsense legend appears to read cHc or possibly oIID. An upside down V to the right of the head probably represents to tie from a diadem.
The back is lain with the stubs of a broken pin lug and catchplate. These are arranged on opposites sides and run vertically down the brooch, an arrangement classified by Weetch (2014, 64) as Type A.
The brooch is generally in good condition with a dark grey colour and some green corrosion on the front. The lightness, the colour on the back and in a more modern chip to one side suggests the brooch has a high tin content. The brooch is 25.4mm in diameter, 1.3mm thick excluding the lugs, 4.9mm including them and weighs g.
Weetch (2014) has studied nummular and psedo-nummular brooches and classifies this type of pseudo-nummular copying the obverse design of a coin as Type 2.Ai. She suggests they were popular from the late 8th /early 9th to the 10th century, being replaced by real coins turned into brooches in the 11th century (p..70). She notes that while many are inspired by coins of Louis the Pious (p70-1) the designs were often developed and elaborated and others coins were also used as inspiration. The left facing bust and spikey hair or radiate crown is unlike those of the coins of Louis the Pious and is seen on several English coins of the late 10th and early 11th century such as those of Athelred II, Cnut and Edward the Confessor which may have provided the inspiration and suggest a date for this example at the end of the range of these types. Such brooches are more common in the East of the country although outliers in the West are known (Weetch, ibid, 225) such as WlLT-B8D836.
Kevin Leahy33Weare CP3SOM-34D2D7986794Weetch 2.Ai1SCC receipt 018244EARLY MEDIEVALBROOCHRestricted Accessfinds-9867944110SOM-34D147Complete900x41022images/elburnett/11089753PAS5E134D140016F932020-01-06T15:07:00ZCertainx410221147County / local importanceEARLY MEDIEVALTin or tin alloy41427EM1Exactly47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:42.741ZHampshire100CountyMEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorSOMD468DC.JPG17765From finder1178851EM5DistrictCertain2SOM177331150Martinx410223.62New Forest106272020-01-02T16:06:33ZReturned to finderSouth EastCirca
Copper alloy incomplete probable buckle frame. Probably early high Medieval, possibly Early Medieval in date. The frame appears to have originally been D-shaped and single looped although it is now bent and distorted and the strap bar is worn and broken in the centre. The outer edge widens slightly towards the centre and is flat in cross section but angled downwards from the inner to the outer edge. At the centre of the loop is a thick triangular boss with a central groove making a pin rest. The outer edge and sides of the loop are covered in regularly spaced transverse incised lines. The remains of the strap bar appear to have projected level with the inner edge of the loop (which is higher than the outer), although they are now bent downwards as part of the distortion. The strap bar is much narrower than the loop and circular in cross section. The remaining piece is 29.0mm wide, 18.1mm long and 5.0mm thick, excluding the bent down strap bar part and weighs 3.62g.
While hard to parallel precisely the heavily angled outer edge, incised decoration, prominent pin rest and relatively small D-shape are all reminiscent of late Early Medieval to early high Medieval buckle forms before buckles became generally less decorated in the 12th century. An AD 700 to 1150 date is therefore suggested.
Laura Burnett18.173-1.90166227SOM-D46DC19864511SCC receipt 018596MEDIEVALBUCKLESU0720finds-98645111296SOM-D468DCIncomplete700x14221images/elburnett/11086475PAS5E0D468D001C6742020-01-02T01:25:33ZCertainx410222950.97936763EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41421EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:42.541ZWiltshire10Unitary AuthorityStruck or hammeredEARLY MEDIEVAL1CertainMetal detectorSOM8341FC.jpg439252019Generated from computer mapping softwareAthelstan_of_England1169204EMUnitary AuthorityCertain118542SOM43925939Codfordx410220.19Wiltshire11728Penny2019-08-05T14:59:11ZReturned to finderSouth WestExactly
Fragment of a Early Medieval silver penny probably of Athelstan dating to AD 924-939. Two-line type. Mint and moneyer uncertain. North (2004, 132) no. 668.
Laura BurnettAthelstan of England22-2.02998525295SOM-834342965491Central cross patteeMissing to breaks11SCC receipt 018380EARLY MEDIEVALCOINST9841finds-96549141N 668 (Two-Line (H): HT 1)82SOM-8341FCFragment924x41022images/elburnett/110675251PAS5D48341F001CF242019-08-05T14:50:23ZThree cross pattees across the cnetre, no inner circle, rest missing to breaksCertainx410222Regular2019-01-01T00:00:00Z47Probably2019-04-16T23:00:00Z51.16823946EARLY MEDIEVALSilver41427EM1Exactly47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCoin of the kings of All England 924/5-1066Certain[AETHEL]S[TAN REX]Civil Parish32022-07-14T07:15:26.175Z6Somerset1CountyEARLY MEDIEVAL2Metal detectorSOMC39446.JPG105782019GPS (from the finder)1103431EM
The find was recorded at a Finds Day and therefore the level of detail and in particular the photograph may not be up to our usual standards.
37DistrictProbably4SOM43462600Restricted Accessx41022600Mendip110192020-04-14T11:56:54ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
An iron axehead, probably of Early-Medieval date of 'Francisca' form dating from the 6th century AD or possibly a later Roman axe.
The butt-end of the tool is flat and sub-rectangular in shape measuring 39.7mm wide and 69.9mm tall. The area around the socket meets the butt end at a c..45 degree angled although the socket through this area is parallel to the butt end. The sides of the tool-head expand slightly with a convex curve to accommodate an oval socket. The socket, which is filled with mud and corrosion, measures circa 31.4mm x 19.4mm. The top edge of the butt-end gently curves over to meet angled the upper surface arounf the socket In contrast the lower edge of the butt-end has a very pronounced rim between the butt-end and start of the lower surface surrounding the socket. Flanking the socket on the lower face are triangular flanges (lugs), now corroded they are around 6.6mm tall.
A neck of solid metal between the socket and blade continues the angle of the metal around the socket and is c.57mm tall. The fan shaped blade angles downwards as it widens and thins away from the neck. This results in the top corner of the blade being level with the top surface of the neck zone while the lower corner is almost level with the butt end. The tip of the blade has a width of 78mm and any evidence of sharpening is lost to the rust.
The remains of this socketed tool-head weigh c.0.6kg (600.00g). It has a length of c.146.0mm, maximum thickness of c.37.0mm and maximum height of c.85.0mm. It is rusted with a areas of bubbling and in places it is obvious that a few small sized chunks have flaked off. Overall the condition of the metal appears relatively solid
The axe is similar to Roman examples such as Manning's Type 4 axes (Manning, 1985: pp. 15-16, Fig. 3.4, pl. 7 nos. B5-B6) which probably had a range of functions although perhaps a military origin (Manning 1976, 24). These are also similar to Early Mediaeval Fransisca axes used as weapons and in this case the much more pronounced angle between the socket and blade might suggest an Early Mediaeval date. However the lugs flanking the socket on the lower edge are a more distinctly Roman feature (Manning 1976, 24). Compare CAM-5D8F2E on this database which is thoguht to be Early Medieval, and lacks lugs, and SF-1D7E43 which is suggested to be of Roman date.
Laura Burnett1468Near FromeSOM-5926E09644922EARLY MEDIEVALFRANCISCARestricted Accessfinds-964492118510SOM-C39446Complete250x41022images/elburnett/31100014PAS5D3C394400161342019-07-27T12:45:08ZPossiblyx412182019-06-01T23:00:00Z147County / local importance2019-06-01T23:00:00ZEARLY MEDIEVALIron41427RO1Circa21http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ROMANProbablyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:25.476ZDevon10CountyCastMEDIEVAL1Metal detectorSOMC3B55B_ori.jpg23147Generated from computer mapping software1226291EM7.2DistrictCertain4SOM228811100Restricted Accessx4102222.11Teignbridge106272019-05-14T11:27:31ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
A complete Early Medieval copper alloy stirrup-strap mount of Williams Class A, type 8, probably dating to c. AD 1000-1100. The stirrup-strap mount consists of a sub-triangular plate from the base of which projects backwards a rectangular angled flange, at c. 90 degrees to the plane. There is a central circular hole through the plate about one third of the way form the apex and two others near the base, above the flange. The plate is moulded with a large head at the apex facing upwards with stepped in snout and nose and small heads as at the base corners, flanking the flange. Between the heads running parallel to and creating the multiple curves of the outer edges, are a series of looped, curved and lobed lines with a large triangular lobe near the base. These are interpreted by Williams (1997) as the body, legs and wings of the creatures at the corners, although in a perhaps deliberately ambiguous effect on this example they could also be interpreted as open jawed beasts facing towards the apex with forelegs raised to the upper hole. There is a small, plain, triangular area adjacent to the base between the large lobes. On this example this has no trace of inlay although there are patinated scratches, some deep and parallel.
Dimensions: length 46.4mm; width 28.9mm; thickness 7.2mm, 4.6mm excluding the flange; weight 22.11g.
This is an example of a Williams Class A, type 8 stirrup-strap mount (1997: 47-50), typically dated to the 11th century. This is a large group with no obvious distribution pattern, although like most stirrup-strap mounts they are rare in Devon (ibid: 19).
Robert Webley46.47Shillingford St GeorgeSOM-C3BAE2952169strap mount1Williams Class A, Type 8SCC receipt 017863MEDIEVALSTIRRUPRestricted Accessfinds-9521691128.98SOM-C3B55BComplete1000x14221images/elburnett/11056260PAS5CCC3B55001B9F42019-05-03T14:00:05ZCertainx41022129EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:19.038ZWiltshire100Unitary AuthorityCastMEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorSOM5C624A.jpg4392512018From finder1169881EMGilded4.3Unitary AuthorityCertain2SOM439251200Chitternex4102213.26Wiltshire106272019-04-16T13:13:19ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
Incomplete copper alloy object, probably a gilded openwork mount, of possibly late Early Medieval date. The piece is broadly triangular with a old, patinated break along the shortest side. It is mostly flat with rounded sides and slightly thickened towards the centre. The long slides are slightly convex curved and converge towards the complete terminal which is expanded into two curved leaves with raised borders and an almost circular indent between. It is possible this indent was a drilled hole and a third leaf of a trefoil has been lost beyond it. In the constriction between the sides and terminal is a drilled circular hole.
The front of the mount is moulded into an interlace design with openwork between. The design is formed of broad 'lines', each line with raised borders at the edges and a line of raised annulets up the centre. These lines end in a point within the the curled out leaves at the terminal, below the terminal is a transverse collar defined by two raised lines then the broad lines follow the edges of the mount before curving in to meet in a U-shape just above th break. The U overlays a second U shape curving in from the opposite direction the ends of which are lost at the break. About half way up the sides the broad lines branch with the branches curving in towards the centre of the mount and joining before running under the second, opposing U-shape. Whether this line continues out the other side and over or under the main U-shape is obscured by iron corrosion around a rivet hole at this point. There is a large triangular opening between the lines near the terminal and four drilled circular openings arranged two and two flanking the centre and emphasising the differences between the lines.
There are extensive traces of gilding on the front, sides and back. The mount mostly has a dark red matt corroded surface with areas of matt pale green. The fragment is now 40.1mm long, 23.3mm wide, and 4.3mm thick; it weighs 13.26g.
Due to the break the full form is unclear. The holes, and remains of the iron rivet, along with plain back suggests it was mounted onto some other item. The thick plate, very red colour and form of the decoration, in particular the interlace and terminal separated by the raised band is reminiscent of 11th century items and a late Early Medieval to early Medieval date is tentatively suggested. While similar in shape the narrowness, lack of flange at the base and gilding all rules out interpretation as a stirrup-strap mount (R. Webley, pers comm).
Laura Burnett40.173-2.015692SOM-5C631394956411SCC receipt 017841MEDIEVALMOUNTST9944finds-9495641123.36SOM-5C624AIncomplete900x14221images/elburnett/11053674PAS5CB5C624001A8142019-04-16T13:10:12ZCertainx4102212018-08-31T23:00:00Z292019-01-02T00:00:00Z51.19521815EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:17.447ZWiltshire100Unitary AuthorityEARLY MEDIEVAL1Metal detectorSOMD624DA.jpg439252018From finder1170684EM6.4Unitary AuthorityCertain1SOM43925900Restricted Accessx410222.01Wiltshire106272019-03-04T17:39:34ZReturned to finderSouth WestExactly
The head and pat of the shaft of a copper alloy pin of probable Middle early-medieval date, c.AD 700-900. The end of the circular cross sectioned shaft has broken off and in its current state the pin measures 19.2mm in length and weighs 2.01g. It has a thirteen faceted polyhedral head, basically a cube with cut off corners and narrowing to a point at the base. The head is 8.3mm long and 6.6mm by 6.4mm. The sides are plain and worn with no clear decoration. At the base of the head where it meets the shaft is slight raised collar. A longitudinal seam down the shaft suggests it is made by rolling with the head pieced in. The shaft is 1.6mm in diameter at the top and 1.2mm at the break.
The design and in particular prescense of the collar is typically Middle Anglo-Saxon and there are close parallels from Hamwic (Hinton 1996, p. 22, nos. 4/2 and 169/1163).
Laura Burnett19.27West Knoyle CPSOM-D628439427411SCC receipt 017848EARLY MEDIEVALPINRestricted Accessfinds-942741416.66SOM-D624DAFragment700x41022images/elburnett/11048310PAS5C7D624D001A9042019-03-04T17:37:17ZCertainx410222018-01-01T00:00:00Z472019-01-07T00:00:00ZEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Exactly47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:11.16ZMiddleWiltshire100Unitary AuthorityCastEARLY MEDIEVAL1MiddleMetal detectorSOM8BF345.jpg439251Generated from computer mapping software23Interlace1699612019T22EM
This artefact resembles Ross' (1991) Witham Disc-Headed Type pins (Type LXXIV), differing in that the form is more lozenge-shaped than circular. However, the use of domed rivets, the arrangement of the pierced holes and the decorative scheme incorporating a cross and quadrant panels of interlace and geometric ornament, are well paralleled in this group: see Ross (1991) pp. 321ff and fig. 5.47. The holes in the pinhead suggest that it was part of a linked pin set, the most spectacular example being from the river Witham, in Lincolnshire (British Museum 1858,1116.4). Several disc-headed-pins are now recorded on the PAS database. Particularly similar parallels in decoration include BH-C8D3E7 (Watters 2008), SUR-34D906 (Williams 2005), DENO-EF72B3 (Atherton 2005), NLM-028751 (Staves 2007), SWYOR-3DEE70 (Downes 2008) and LIN-6FE873 (Daubney 2014). Furthermore, two similar examples were residual in their contexts at Flixborough (Evans and Loveluck 2009, 36, 65, fig. 1.27, nos. 560 and 561). The form and ornament of the artefact suggests a date in the eight century.
Date:
Eighth century
Conclusion:
The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.
Gilded1.1Unitary AuthorityCertain1SOM43925800West Lavingtonx410222.8311Wiltshire117282021-03-05T11:29:17ZSubmitted for consideration as Treasure2South WestCirca
An incomplete cast silver probable pinhead, possibly part of a triple linked pin set. Only two thirds of the pinhead survive, with bottom half of the plate and the left side missing. The breaks in the object reveal a base silver core.
The pinhead appears to have been lozenge-shaped in original form. Its edges are slightly convex and its two surviving corners are rounded. A triangular 'tab' with a rounded point and two sequentially narrowing collars at the base projects from one of the surviving corners (at the top in the photograph). The pinhead's plate is flat and rectangular in cross-section, although it has been bent irregularly across its surface. The plate is pierced by three dome-headed rivets: one at the centre and two within the two surviving corners of the plate. The central rivet and the rivet by the projecting tab are larger than the third rivet, at corner without the tab. The first two measure c.3.9mm in diameter and project c.2.7mm; the third measures 2.9mm in diameter and projects c.1.7mm. All project less than 0.2mm from the back of the plate as widened and flattened discs.
The upper surface of the pinhead is decorated with incised, low relief ornament divided into four wedge-like quadrants by a straight-armed cross. The cross arms are c.2.0mm wide and defined by incised borders. Within one of the arms are two pierced circular holes (c.1.0mm diameter), possibly for attaching the pin shaft or plate linking this pin with others. The other cross arm is decorated with a line of 6 evenly spaced dots. The quadrants are decorated with two mirrored, alternating designs comprising an angular key motif and interlace. The plate has a narrow border defined by an incised line, offset from the plate's edge by 1.5mm and decorated with two lines of alternating dots.
The reverse face of the pinhead is plain and featureless.
Maria Kneafsey24.5222-2.00138399Anglo-Saxon styleSOM-8C1FAD93417912EARLY MEDIEVALPINSU0053finds-934179x4101211129.46SOM-8BF345Fragment700x41022images/elburnett/11136360PAS5C38BF3400155842019-01-11T16:07:16ZCertainx4102214751.27614608EARLY MEDIEVALSilver41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALProbablyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:15:03.211Zfinds-913676913676SOM-BFD27AINGOTEARLY MEDIEVALThis shape of ingot is not completely diagnostic, but it is typical of one of the forms known to be common in Viking hoards and as site finds of the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Although these ingots are most commonl found intact, it is not unusual for them to be cut into smaller pieces, to function within a bullion economy alongside other forms of ‘hack-silver’ or ‘hack-gold’. These ingots are typically made of silver rather than gold, but gold ingots of this period are known, and there is increasing evidence from hoards (eg Watlington) and site finds (eg Torksey, ARSNY) that hack-gold circulated as currency alongside hack-silver in Viking contexts in late 9th-century England. There are no characteristically Viking test marks, but the weight is just over half an ounce, based on a known Viking weight-standard of 26.6g. This is an acceptable margin of error, especially given that this piece has been fairly roughly cut from a larger item.
While Devon is not a major area of recorded Viking activity in this period, there are exceptions. The movement of the so-called ‘great army’ between Wareham and Exeter in 876 is likely to have passed through the Kilmington area, and much of the other evidence for Viking use of gold bullion in this period can also be directly associated with the movements of the ‘great army’. That is not to say that this find must have such an association, but it does mean that a Viking gold ingot is not implausible as a find in this area.
On balance, it therefore seems more likely than not that this is a Viking artefact of the late 9th-10th centuries.The metal content has not been analysed, but appears to be primarily gold, and comparison with other items of the period suggests that the gold would primarily be alloyed with silver. Consequently, in terms of apparent age and precious metal content, the object qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.474733875100012018T5494SOM2018-05-26T00:00:00Z2018-05-26T00:00:00ZSCC receipt 17725Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter2018-08-09T09:36:55Z2023-04-27T10:29:54Z13.89PAS5B6BFD27001A1E782512354141427231472239622713DevonEast DevonRestricted AccessKilmingtonRestricted Access8SOM-BFD63CGold10892CompleteEARLY MEDIEVALx41022LateLateEARLY MEDIEVALx41022x41022Metal detectorAcquired by museum after being declared Treasure2018T549.jpg1195973images/mkneafsey/South WestCertain12023-04-27T09:29:54.35ZNorth Somerset10Unitary AuthorityMEDIEVAL1FieldwalkingSOMDE2DDC.JPG255042017From finder18051EMUnitary AuthorityCertain1SOM255041100Kingston Seymourx4102257.51North Somerset105392020-03-26T23:03:28ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
Five body sherds from late Early Medieval hand built vessels. The sherds appear to be from large round bodied vessels but too little survives to establish the form and there are no rims or bases. They may be from the same pot or several, one appears thinner and three have been burnt post breaking. The sherds all have abundant poorly sorted quartz and limestone temper up to 3.5mm across with occasional pieces up to 5.mm across and occasional rounded ironstone or grog inclusions. The fabric is pale with a mid-dark grey core and pale grey to pale buff-grey surface in un-sooted areas. They weigh 57.51 grams in total.
David Dawson has compared these to the reference collection from Cheddar and suggests they are similar if not identical to any specific fabric. Comparable material is also known form Wells and he has suggested a 10-11th century date.
Laura Burnett5-2.89242724SOM-DE2EAC8905923SCC receipt 19805MEDIEVALVESSELST3866finds-890592138SOM-DE2DDCFragment900x14221images/elburnett/11099644PAS5A8DE2DD001CE342018-02-21T21:21:33ZCertainx410222017-02-01T00:00:00Z292017-03-30T23:00:00Z51.38963847EARLY MEDIEVALCeramic41427EM5Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALPossiblyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:34.012ZEarly4Dorset10CountyEARLY MEDIEVAL1EarlyMetal detectorSOM63594D.JPG143622017From finder1144901EM8.7DistrictCertain1SOM14451700Restricted Accessx4102213.27North Dorset106272018-04-12T14:02:07ZReturned to finder1South WestCirca
Part of a Early Early-Medieval buckle plate, of Aquitanian-Frankish type. The piece is part of a flat plate with downturned edges giving a hollow back and now slightly bent in from each side. One end is complete and straight with two broken projecting rectangular bars which would have connected to the frame. Immediately below this edge are two circles marking the attachment point of bosses, now missing; the outer halves of which project from the sides of the plate widening it in this section, beyond the circles the plate continues with a rectangular section which ends in an irregular, old break. The front is elaborately decorated with incised decoration. On the back are two projectng attachments, one behind each of the ciircles on the front. These attachments has circular transverse holes through them, now both broken, to hold a cross bar.
The two circles are highlighted with a yellowish surface, possibly gilding that survives under the bosses or somesort of solder, now pitted. In the centre is a circular hole, filled with iron corrsion from a rivet to attach each boss. To the outer side of the gilded circles is a raised curved, crescentic, zig-zag line within a recessed field. To the inner side is a crescentic field defined by incised lines, the two fields are connected at the closest point by a pair of plain lines flanking a zig-zag raised line in a recess field. These two sets of curved crescents flank the circles placing them within pointed ovals. The rectangular section of plate is decorated with a rectangular cell defined by more raised zigzag lines within a recessed field. The cell touches the lower points of the pointed ovals around the circles, connecting the elements. This cell contains part of a four fold knot, now mostly lost to the break. The rest of the field of the cell and the areas between the crescents flanking the inner sides of the circles are filled with multiple fine indented dots (pointillé decoration).
The piece is now 37.2mm long, 39.4mm wide, 8.7mm thick, 3.6mm excluding the projections and weighs 13.27g.
Barry Ager has kindly commented on this piece: The object does indeed appear to be a fragment of a buckle of Aquitanian-Frankish type, only three other examples of which have been recorded from this country (one of them unpublished). They date from the late 6th - 7th century and may be associated with elite immigrants of continental origin.
Laura Burnett37.27Pulham CP1Frankish styleSOM-6366978868451SCC receipt 19816EARLY MEDIEVALBUCKLERestricted Accessfinds-88684514139.48SOM-63594DFragment550x41022images/elburnett/11008608PAS5A763594001DE942018-02-03T22:20:04ZCertainx410222017-01-01T00:00:00Z147Regional importance2017-12-04T00:00:00ZEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:31.611ZEarlyWiltshire100Unitary AuthorityEARLY MEDIEVAL1EarlyMetal detectorSOM5D0BDC.JPG43925Centred on field301169821110194EM6.8Unitary AuthorityCertain4SOM43925700Restricted Accessx410222.14Wiltshire106272018-01-22T12:01:23ZReturned to finder1South WestCirca
Early Medieval copper alloy and garnet sword pyramid, a type of mount probablyused on the scabbard straps. It is square in shape with a base measuring 14.0 by 13.6mm, narrowing over its 6.8mm height to a 4.4 by 4.7mm apex set with a garnet. On the underside it is hollow to a depth of 4.1mm. A 3.9mm wide band runs across the centre of the hollow, level with the base.
Each of the four sides is decorated in the same way. Incised lines mark a border following the trapezoid shape of the side. The border contains three deeply cut equilateral triangular indents, one in each corner and one at the apex. This leaves a downward pointed chevron between the triangles, the edges of which are emphasised by incised lines. There are faint traces of silvering on the chevron on one side but it is likely this was previously more extensive. The garnet is sub-rectangular with one slightly uneven corner. It is scratched by not cracked, a small amount of cement is missing from around it to one corner. The total weight is 2.14g.
The function of pyramidal mounts is still uncertain, but it seems likely that they were used to help secure the sword in the scabbard, by means of a strap running through the transverse bar (missing on this example) on the base of the mount. Two were famously found in the high-status ship burial of Sutton Hoo Mound 1, but they are relatively uncommon grave finds. They are however common accidental losses, with ever-increasing numbers recorded on thePAS database. This form of pyramid is generally dated to the late 6th to 7th centuries. Designs using tiangles and incised lines are popular, and this specific design is known in copper alloy (BH-B72FCB,SF-2563E6, NMS-C19A31, NMS-BC07D7 and HAMP-2C1D52) and silver examples. See PAS record LEIC-4BFA72 (Treasure case 2016 T28, from Rutland), which provides a discussion of these fittings and offers further examples of this particular type, sometimes referred to as the 'Flixton' type.
Laura Burnett147Bulkington CP1SOM-5D0DC6884473Pyramid1SCC receipt 19813EARLY MEDIEVALSCABBARDRestricted Accessfinds-8844731113.66SOM-5D0BDCComplete575x41022images/elburnett/11000239PAS5A65D0BD001C5842018-01-22T11:53:33ZCertainx41022472017-12-04T00:00:00ZEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainGemCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:30.14ZDorset10CountyMEDIEVAL1Metal detectorSOM5C322D.jpg14362Generated from computer mapping software1145631EM11.1DistrictCertain4SOM144511100Gillinghamx4102212.23North Dorset106272018-01-22T10:57:11ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
Complete cast copper alloy Early Medieval stirrup-strap mount of Williams Class A, type 12 dating to the 11th century. The stirrup-strap mount is lozenge shaped. It has an integral flat rectangular flange with a rivet hole pierced centrally projecting backwards perpendicular to the main frame along the base. At the top is a circular loop for attachment. The main frame has four lozenge shaped openwork elements divided by a cross in the middle. At the very centre of the cross is a small boss and bosses also decorate the two side corners of the lozenge frame, the lower corner and are placed on each side of the outer frame halfway between the upper and lower corners and the first junction of the central cross with the outer frame. It appears undecorated but the surface is worn.The stirrup-strap mount is 45.5mm in height including the loop, 29.6mm at its widest point, 11.1mm thick including the flange, 5.3 excluding it, and weighs 12.23g.
This is an example of a Williams Class A, type 12 openwork stirrup-strap mount (1997, 71), typically dated to the 11th century. This is a large group with no obvious distribution pattern, although like most stirrup-strap mounts they are concentrated in the south and east (ibid: 21, 23, 69).
Laura Burnett45.57-2.30091239SOM-5C36F4884425strap mount1Williams Class A, Type 12 (openwork)SCC receipt 19817MEDIEVALSTIRRUPST7927finds-8844251129.68SOM-5C322DComplete1000x14221images/elburnett/11001013PAS5A65C322001E2942018-01-22T10:55:30ZCertainx41022292017-12-04T00:00:00Z51.04196629EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:30.111ZLateSomerset100CountyEARLY MEDIEVAL1MiddleMetal detectorSOM7E3282.JPG1057812016From a paper map1107424EMGilded2.6DistrictCertain1SOM10370900Restricted Accessx410226.13Taunton Deane106272018-01-04T13:19:29ZReturned to finder3South WestExactly
Fragment of a gilded copper alloy Early Medieval, probably eighth century, item, probably a disc brooch. The fragment is part of a plate and broadly triangular in shape with the shorter edge slightly convex. The object bends back slightly towards this edge but this might be damage. All the edges are damaged with patinated breaks, it is possible the curved edge is only slightly abraded as the design appears to respect it while the other breaks run across the design.
The front is decorated with a raised design probably chip carved, although the indents are filled with mud, making the details of the carving unclear. The design is of complicated spiralling, branching tendrils with thicker and thinner tendrils present in the design. Some appear to end in annulets (possibly buds) others in leaves, the shape of the leaves with bulbous initial parts thinning and ending in almost circular terminals are distinctive to this period. Near the centre of the remaining piece is a plain raised circle with a circular hole though it off centre. Similar elements on other disc brooches hold dome headed rivets. The thicker tendrils are symetrical either side of this plain circle. The nature of the complete design and any overall symetricality or pattern is unclear from the remaining element but other designs on disc brooches usually have a 4 fold or 8 fold symmetry, both posible on this.
The fragment is 34.7mm long, 29.6mm wide, 2.1mm thick and weighs 6.13g.
Wil Partridge34.77West Bagborough CP2SOM-7E339D88036113SCC receipt 19480EARLY MEDIEVALBROOCHRestricted Accessfinds-8803614129.66SOM-7E3282Fragment700x41022images/elburnett/1642837PAS5A37E32800126C42017-12-18T15:47:52ZCertainx410222016-11-02T00:00:00Z472017-11-02T00:00:00ZEARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Exactly47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALPossiblyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:27.668Zfinds-879294879294SOM-E7F945INGOTEARLY MEDIEVAL2017 T1182
Description: Gold bar of roughly oval section, irregularly shaped, tapering slightly from one end to the other. Roughly cast. Pitted from casting, but with no signs of any secondary treatment
Dimensions: 59 x 9 (6.5) x 5.5mm Weight 24.8g
Discussion: Although the form of the ingot is not diagnostic for the Viking Age, it is consistent with a number of known examples. The weight is also consistent with a Viking ounce of c. 25g. There are none of the the characteristic test marks found on Viking bullion, but this need not be significant, as they are not found on all ingots found in certain Viking contexts. The location is unusual for a Viking ingot, since finds are normally concentrated in areas of Viking settlement, in northern and eastern England. However, finds relating to Viking bullion and exchange hav been identified in a number of places associated with the movements of the so-called 'great army' in the 860s and 870s. Although no activity is specifically recorded in this part of Dorset, the 'great army' moved from Wareham to Exeter in 877, and would have passed through this area.Although the ingot cannot be identified with certainty with this event, it provides a plausible context for a Viking object to be found in the area, while Viking fleets are also recorded raiding along thesouth coast on a number of occasions, and other raids probably took place which are not historically recorded.
The ingot cannot be dated with absolute certainty to the Viking Age, but it comes from a plausible find context, and shares enough characteristics with other Viking ingots that it seems more likely than not that it dates from that period. It also appears to have a high gold content. It therefore meets the criteria of being more than 300 years old, with a precious metal content of 10% or more according to the terms of the Treasure Act (1996). It is therefore my recommendation that this find should be considered as Treasure.
Gareth Williams
Curator of Viking Collections
British Museum474733850100012017T11824SOM2017-11-05T00:00:00Z2017-11-05T00:00:00ZSCC receipt 0197692017-12-11T12:52:36Z2023-12-07T09:51:40Z24.8PAS5A2E7F940015515.5959123234141427143621459314539DorsetWest DorsetRestricted AccessLoders CPRestricted Access6SOM-E804ABGold10892CompleteEARLY MEDIEVALx41022LateLateEARLY MEDIEVALx41022x41022Metal detectorSubmitted for consideration as Treasure2017T1182.JPG1070929images/edwardcaswell99/South WestCertain12023-12-07T09:51:41.011ZEarlySomerset100CountyMEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorSOM54ED69.JPG10578From a paper map1104631EM2.6DistrictCertain1SOM104951100Restricted Accessx410224.19South Somerset106272017-12-04T13:57:15ZReturned to finder1South WestCirca
Small fragment of a copper aloy item, possibly an late Early Medieval buckle frame. Th piece is curved in plan and V shaped in cross section with a clear carination on the plain inside and more rounded outer. The shorter arm of the V forms a continuous curve, possibly the inside edge of the buckle loop whicvh is slightly thickened at the edge on the inner side. The other arm of the V has an irregular end with a very worn and broken outer edge. It appears to be the remains of openwork decoration and to have broken across the openwork. The outer face is decorated with the worn remains of a complicated raised moulded design. The piece is 34.8mm long, 11.4mm wide, 2.6mm thick and weighs 4.19g.
The piece is possibly part of a buckle similar to KENT-CD50A4, YORYM-E79894, SF-810B76 and BH-DFAB24 which are mostly dated to the 10th to 11th centuries AD. The metal colour and corrosion would also be typical of material of this date. SOM-DB3172 and SOM-D80B5D were found in the same area.
Robert Webley34.87Castle Cary CP3SOM-54F0068783413SCC receipt 17372MEDIEVALBUCKLERestricted Accessfinds-8783411111.46SOM-54ED69Fragment900x14221images/elburnett/1639850PAS5A254ED600198342017-12-04T13:34:14ZCertainx4102229EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALPossiblyCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:26.626Z6Somerset10CountyCast1EARLY MEDIEVAL1Metal detectorSOMC2BC82.JPG105782017Generated from computer mapping software1103111EM11.9DistrictCertain4SOM104951150Kingsbury Episcopix4102220.57South Somerset106272019-12-18T20:37:13ZReturned to finderSouth WestCirca
A complete late Early Medieval (Anglo-Scandinavian) copper-alloy zoomorphic stirrup terminal of Williams Type 2b dating to the. mid to late 11th century. One of a pair which would have decorated the lower corners of a stirrup. The stirrup terminal is sub-rectangular enface and sub-triangular in profile with a flat base, angled front which tapers in width towards the top and concave back giving a C-shaped cross section for most of the length apart from the solid base which appears complete with no projecting lip.
The lower part is shaped into an animal head with prominent spiral nostrils on the blunt sub-rectangular snout at the lower end and two curling whiskers running back along the snout on either face. Above the snout is an indent before the raised brow ridge with slight indents for eyes. Above the domed head are two trinangular ears with indented centres. Above this a plain bar, possibly with some vertical grooving, runs to the slightly faceted knop at the upper terminal. The socketed reverse surface is less well finished, with some bubbling from the casting procedure visible towards its base. The socket is more deeply indented at the base where the piece is thicker..
The mount measures 50.9mm long, 11.2 mm wide at its base and 7.1mm wide at its top. The object ranges from 11.9mm in thickness at the base to mm to 3.7mm in thickness at the top and weighs 20.57g.
The mount can be closely paralleled with examples illustrated by Williams (1997) ; Williams states that the artefact type has a distribution largely confined to the east of England although as more examples are found through PAS this distribution is beng expanded, and suggests a date centred on the second half of the 11th century. In Williams tentative groupings this appears similar to 2b, ie with no projecting ledge at the base, but with a faceted knop similar to 2a, 4b also being similar and possibly a more worn example.
Robert Webley50.97-2.79948534Muchelney, Somerset, Sep-Oct 2017SOM-C2C3D2877226terminal5301Williams class 2bSCC receipt 19222EARLY MEDIEVALSTIRRUPST4423finds-8772261111.28SOM-C2BC82Complete1050x41022images/elburnett/1639786PAS5A1C2BC800128742017-11-27T15:14:16ZCertainx4102212017-09-29T23:00:00Z147County / local importance2017-09-29T23:00:00Z51.00364849EARLY MEDIEVALCopper alloy41427EM1Circa47http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/EARLY MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:14:25.885Z