Record ID: SOM-695791
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
One arm of a late Medieval - Post Medieval cast copper alloy purse bar. The arm is slightly oval in section, 8.0 by 7.6mm and decorated with criss-crossing pairs of inlaid black neillo lines. At the inner end it narrows slightly then expands into a v-shaped rounded collar with a lobed shape above beyond which is an old break, from parallel this is probably the jaws of a debased animal head griping the bar in its mouth. At the terminal it steps in to half the diameter (4.0mm) and this projecting terminal has a seperate truncated conical knop on it which would originally have held the l…
Created on: Friday 19th November 2010
Last updated: Friday 6th July 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-654242
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper-alloy purse bar dating to the late Medieval period, (circa 1450-1500AD). The object consists of a central undecorated shield-shaped boss with a central circular hole for the missing suspension loop. The two arms are sub-triangular in profile with the inner arms taking the form of devolved animal heads gripping the bar. The ends of both bars have broken off in antiquity. Both bars are angled downwards equally with no signs of stressing at the boss which suggest this may have been the intended shape, although these bars are normally straight. The object has a g…
Created on: Sunday 20th March 2011
Last updated: Sunday 9th February 2014
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-3D9560
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a cast copper-alloy purse bar arm. Part of the framing arm from a purse of probable type A1 or A2 (London Museum Medieval Catalogue). The arm is oval in section and gently curving. On the lower edge of the arm are two evenly spaced and integrally cast attachment lugs with small circular pierced holes. These would have been for the attachment of the fabric or leather purse. The upper face of the arm is decorated with two close set short transverse grooves to one side of one of the lugs. Date: Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval - c.15th-16th centuries Dimensions: 82.16…
Created on: Monday 18th July 2011
Last updated: Thursday 5th May 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Puddletown', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-2CA363
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy purse bar and suspension loop. The relatively short arms of the purse bar are broadly sub-rectangular with a rectangular cross section. The arms have a slight arch with an up-curve at the ends. They are waisted when viewed in plan with a thickened central section with a circular hole through which the attachment bar of the suspension loop passes. The terminals are plain. The underside of the bar has two sub-trapezoidal flanges projecting downwards, one from each arm. Each flange has three sub-circular holes from which the fabric purse or leather purse woul…
Created on: Monday 10th October 2011
Last updated: Friday 28th September 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOMDOR-332234
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of copper alloy purse frame. The frame is curved with a U-shaped section. There is a pattern of incised double saltires (which probably had niello inlay) and engraved zigzags in the lozenge-shaped voids between them. There are circular attachment holes on the inner edge(one complete, one broken and one partial). Ward-Perkins (1940) type A1. Williams Class A1 Date: Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval - c. 1440 - 1600 Dimensions: 81.83 mm x 7.10 mm x 5.51 mm. Weight:12.74mm
Created on: Monday 16th April 2007
Last updated: Friday 19th November 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Dorchester', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-02C826
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Cast copper alloy fragments of late 15th century purse frame. Fragments from a pendent frame, the two pieces conjoin. Decorated with groups of incised transverse lines which may have originally contained a niello inlay. L-shaped section. The inner edge had circular holes for the attachment of the fabric or leather purse. Date: Late Medieval circa. 1450-1500 Reference: Read 2001 p124 nos 907-909 Weight: 15.14g Dimensions: 88.98x6.41x7.3mm
Created on: Tuesday 4th May 2010
Last updated: Thursday 8th November 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Frampton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-C15235
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a probable purse bar. The object is solid cast. One arm of a purse bar with a large terminal knop. The knop is domed and circular, decorated with six slightly raised teardrop-shaped foils radiating from the centre. The arm is circular sectioned and tapers slightly towards the knop. There is an irregular break at the other end. There are patches of heavy gilding over the surface. Date: Medieval - c. 1350 - 1450 Dimensions: 30.30 mm x 14.69 mm x 14.73 mm Weight: 14.27 g
Created on: Thursday 12th November 2009
Last updated: Wednesday 18th March 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Folke', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOMDOR1134
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper and lead alloy probable purse bar. Broadly rectangular centre boss with curvilinear edges. There is a circular hole through narrowest axis (running left to right on the attached image). The front of boss is decorated with ring and dot stamping in a curvilinear, interwoven design forming a sexfoil . There are traces of gilding in the stamping. Either side of the boss is a short arm ending in a rounded knop.There are file marks visible on some surfaces. This object is most similar the the short armed purse bars illustrated as type B in the London Museums Medieval Catalogue, page…
Created on: Monday 30th July 2001
Last updated: Thursday 8th November 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'DORSET CATTISTOCK', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOMDOR-FA4922
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Just under half of a cast copper alloy purse bar of late medieval or early post-medieval date. The fragment measures 75.9mm in length and has a maximum width of 11.8mm. It weighs 23.05g. The surviving terminal is almost cylindrical with a wider, slightly convex distal end. Adjacent to the terminal, the bar narrows briefly then widens again into a longer section with an oval profile. A decorative panel occupies the outermost three-quarters of the bar; this is in the form of a pair of double-incised crosses, with a vertical border at each end. Black niello has been used to pick out thes…
Created on: Friday 13th October 2006
Last updated: Friday 19th November 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Compton Abbas', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SUSS-98EFC7
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper alloy Type B purse bar. The object has a rectangular loop, which has been cast as one with the shank, which has two collars and is oval in section. This terminates in a spherical rove. The central block and both the arms of the bar survive. The bars are oval in section with lipped, circular terminals. An integral attachment plate survives along the bottom edge of each arm; each has two evenly spaced circular perforations. The letter V has been inscribed onto the surface of one arm close to the terminal. The object is slightly worn with a dark greenish-grey patin…
Created on: Monday 19th February 2007
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Beaminster', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: WILT-1CAFD1
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An undatable 'spill' of lead, c.26mm in diameter and max.6mm thick. It has been worked, probably by someone 'doodling'. It shows a cross and ?two figures below. Weighs 23.77g. Possibly medieval or post medieval in date.
Created on: Friday 11th March 2005
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Ibberton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOMDOR-91D8F7
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Cast, copper alloy purse bar. Centre and one arm only. The central knop is a rounded cube with a large, slightly off-centre, circular hole running from top to bottom (this would have housed the missing suspension loop). It is decorated on the front and back with an incised double strand saltire cross. At the proximal end of the remaining arm is an integral, slightly flaring collar. The upper part of the collar is shaped with an angled notch and ends in a slight point. The arm is then narrowed from the collar and has a rounded rectangular section. A section of it is decorated with inci…
Created on: Wednesday 22nd June 2005
Last updated: Friday 19th November 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOMDOR-E91BC2
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of purse frame. It has a U-shaped section and a curving bar. One surface is decorated with deeply incised lateral lines, the other has circular attachment holes at regular intervals. The fabric of the purse was sewn onto the frame through these holes. Date: Late Medieval to Eraly Post Medieval - c. 1440 - 1600
Created on: Thursday 15th April 2004
Last updated: Friday 19th November 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Cerne Abbas', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-395CF1
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a copper alloy purse bar. The incomplete loop only remains. The loop is drop shaped with a D-shaped cross section. the sides are decorated with in cised lines comprising two transverse lines flanking four diagonal lines set vertically in two groups of two and running downwards from left to right. At the base is a slightly flared collar above the broken shank. Both have an oval cross section and are cast in one with the rest of the loop. Date: Late Medieval to early Post Medieval - c. 1450 - 1550 Dimensions: 39.45 mm x 17.77 mm x 7.25 mm Weight: 10.98 g
Created on: Wednesday 18th May 2011
Last updated: Wednesday 25th May 2011
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DOR-B9C484
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Part of a cast copper alloy purse bar with niello decoration. On side bar only remains. It is broken off just before the point where it would attach to the central "boss" of the purse bar, with part of zoomorphic decoration remaining (the mouth of a stylised head). The side bar is circular in cross section and is decorated in the round with double stranded cross hatched lines of niello inlay.On the underside at the outer end of the bar is a flange with rounded corners and two circular attachment holes.At the outer end of the bar is a constriction where the arms of the purse frame woul…
Created on: Tuesday 24th May 2011
Last updated: Thursday 8th November 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-3B9685
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A medieval or post medieval copper alloy purse bar dating to the period c. AD 1450 - 1550. It consists of a vertical bar which passes through a horizontal bar. It exhibits a vertical bar which consists of a trapezoidal loop which tapers into an oval stem and then narrows to form a a circular cross-sectioned bar which passes through a circular perforation in the horizontal bar. The vertical bar exhibits a collar positioned just before it terminates on the underside of the horizontal bar in order to hold it in place. The vertical bar swivels freely in the hole. The horizontal bar e…
Created on: Tuesday 6th October 2015
Last updated: Monday 9th August 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Sturminster Newton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-B6FEAE
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Two fragments of copper alloy frame from a purse. The two fragments are conjoining.The frame is curving and has an 'L' shaped cross-section.The upper face of the longer side of the L-shape is decorated with stamped dots forming a pattern of crude leaf shapes, circles and lines. One terminal of the frame remains and has an angled rounded projection with a large circular aperture. There is a single pierced hole at the edge through the short side of the L-shape. Date: Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval - c. 1450 - 1550 Dimensions: 77.75 mmx x8.74 mm x 4.55 mm Weight: 15.57 g A simi…
Created on: Tuesday 17th November 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 8th August 2017
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-476B9B
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper-alloy arched pendant mount from the medieval period, a purse hanger dated c. 1350-1450 AD. The mount has three arches with the larger centre arch having a cusp within the external angle. The ends are expanded and notched for the missing hangers which would have attached the mount to the belt. In section the mount is flat with a rounded outer edge. The pendant has a dark green patina with evidence of filing at the edges. Length of mount: 49.72 mm. Width: 10.29 mm. Thickness: 2.10 mm. Weight: 2.965 g. Reference: Egan G &.Pritchard F, 19914, Dress Accessories, Plates 119…
Created on: Friday 19th December 2014
Last updated: Wednesday 2nd January 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-1A9DD6
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of copper alloy purse frame, broken at both ends. The frame is L-shaped in cross section. The upper face is slightly convex and the surface is undecorated. On the lower face there are two broken and one complete attachment or sewing holes. Date: Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval - c. 1450 - 1550 Dimensions: 74.01 mm x 6.44 mm x 6.45 mm Weight: 13.08 g David Williams comments that L shaped purse frames are commonly associated with Class A1 purse bars (long bars with attached frames) and should be considered to date from c.1450 to 1550.
Created on: Friday 20th July 2018
Last updated: Monday 21st January 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-538451
Object type: PURSE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Published
Fragment of a Medieval to Post-Medieval cast copper alloy purse bar dating to c.AD 1450 to 1550. The fragment consists of one arm with an integral spherical terminal surviving for 29.3 mm in length to an old break. The arm is circular in cross-section and measures 5.2 mm in diameter. The terminal is spherical and decorated with six twisting grooves. It measures 11.2 mm in diameter. The piece has a green patina and small areas of superficial corrosion. The fragment measure 29.3 mm in length, 5.2 mm in diameter at the arm and 11.2 mm in diameter at the terminal. It weighs 7.38 g. …
Created on: Tuesday 28th August 2018
Last updated: Monday 18th May 2020
Spatial data recorded.