Record ID: NCL-C92BD4
Object type: DAGGER
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete medieval copper alloy dagger guard, c. AD 1300-1500.  The artefact has an elongate curved ovate shape. The convex face is undecorated with a central rectangular perforation. The concave face has a wider rectangular perforation with flanking integral rivets - one survives and the other has broken off.  This guard would have sat between the knife blade and handle to protect the user. The knife tang would have passed through the rectangular perforation in the guard, connecting the blade to the handle.  These are well-attested artefacts on the Portabl…
Created on: Wednesday 16th August 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-902FFD
Object type: KNIFE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Medieval or Post Medieval copper alloy knife quillion, guard or cross piece, c. AD 1350-1600. The artefact consists of a solid copper alloy bar with circular cross section, with two ball-shaped terminals on either end. In the centre is a flat ovate section with one curved side and one cupid's bow-shaped side and a rectangular perforation within. The knife tang would have sat within the rectangular perforation, connecting the blade with the handle and protecting the user's hand. Similar examples on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database include: LANCUM-FE0081, …
Created on: Sunday 13th August 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 10th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-8EBD14
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy rotary key of probable Medieval or Post Medieval date, c. AD 1200-1700. The artefact consists of a hollow shank with oval-shaped profile with one broken terminal, revealing the hollow interior, and at the opposing end of the shank, an integral oval-shaped segment with broken terminal similarly revealing the hollow shank interior. Extending from the shank is the key mechanism with two projecting teeth.  There are many similar parallels for this key on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, for example: KENT-92EBC8, SWYOR-53…
Created on: Sunday 13th August 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-8E3BD4
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy cruciform seal matrix of Post-Medieval date, c. AD 1600-1700. The artefact consists of two of the remaining arms radiating at right angles from a broken central openwork square-shaped segment. From the centre, both arms feature a raised collar above a waisted middle which flares to two flat, circular die faces. One face is inscribed with 'W D', while the other features three staurogram, or monogrammatic cross, symbols in a line.  Cruciform seal matrices are uncommon on the Portable Antiquities Scheme Database with only a handful reported in recent…
Created on: Sunday 13th August 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-7B04E9
Object type: PENDANT
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete lead or lead alloy crucifix pendant of possible Early Medieval date, c. AD 800-1100. The artefact is an irregular double-sided cross with no surface decoration. One terminal features an integral suspension loop. It has a whitish grey patina and some evidence of surface abrasion.  Due to the lack of dateable stylistic features, these crucifixes are difficult to date. Based on other similar examples on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, see for example: HAMP-9F7EFE, GAT-6E2F79, SF-0DA737, DENO-61E4C6, NCL-C41643, equal armed cruci…
Created on: Saturday 12th August 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-76823C
Object type: DAGGER
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy dagger/small sword pommel of Medieval or Post Medieval date, c. AD 1300-1700.  The artefact comprises a hollow oval-shaped (biconical) sphere. On the upper face there is a circular perforation which might have aligned with a similar hole on the opposing face which has been obscured by substantial damage to the lower face. This hole would have accommodated an iron tang, affixing the handle to the pommel. The pommel sat at the end of the dagger handle and often sustained damage through use.  Similar examples on the Portable Antiquities Scheme data…
Created on: Saturday 12th August 2023
Last updated: Monday 6th November 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-75EB07
Object type: CHAPE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Mostly complete copper alloy dagger chape/scabbard of Medieval or early Post Medieval date, c. AD 1300-1600. Broadly ovate-shaped tapering to a ball-shaped knop terminal. The open end has a W-shaped profile, with some slight damage to the edge. In the long parts of the W-shaped end are the remains of iron rivets. The whole artefact has a powdery green patina, pitted surface and one small rectangular hole to the surface. There are some similar examples on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database which date to a broadly similar date range. See for example: IOW-9211CA, DUR-0B4…
Created on: Saturday 12th August 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 10th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-74E013
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy rotary key of Medieval date, c. AD 1200-1500. The artefact consists of a central circular hollow copper alloy tube (shank) with an incised central constriction. At one end is a moulded oval-shaped segment connected to a semi-circular fragment of a suspension loop with two broken and heavily abraded terminals. The opposing end of the shank is broken diagonally, revealing the central hollow cavity within, and the key locking mechanism survives in-tact projecting from the shank.  There are many similar parallels for this key on the Portable Antiqui…
Created on: Saturday 12th August 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-6215D2
Object type: WHISTLE
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete cast lead alloy Post Medieval 'hawking' whistle (c. AD 1700-1800). The body is cylindrical and hollow with part of the connected base surviving. The tapered mouth pieces has been lost, but part of the crescent-shaped sound hole survive with an additional broken fragment missing from this. Above the main cylindrical body is a protruding circumferential collar below a domed top with upwards projecting stem with attached spherical suspension loop. It has a mid-grey patina and some abrasion marks.  This is a well-attested artefact on the Portable Antiquities …
Created on: Friday 11th August 2023
Last updated: Monday 6th November 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-616558
Object type: MACE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy mace head dating to the medieval period (c. AD 1100-1400).  The artefact consists of a hollow rectangular cube with projecting pyramidal knops. The knops are arranged in three layers, with knops at each upper and lower corner, and one centrally on each face. Two circular holes are present on the top and bottom faces, and the interior is hollow with a circular concave internal face. Although unusual finds, there are similar parallels recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. See for example: LVPL-30B8F7, BERK-6C3FB2, NM…
Created on: Friday 11th August 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 10th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-02F6D5
Object type: COIN
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A pierced gold coin of James II of Scotland 1437 - 1460 Lion Type Lettering (regular font): IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTORVM Translation: James, by the Grace of God, King of Scots Reverse Saint Andrew crucified on a saltire, flanked by crowned fleur-de-lis. Script: Latin (uncial) Lettering: XPC REGNAT XPC VINCIT XP Lettering (regular font): XPC REGNAT XPC VINCIT XP Unabridged legend: XPC REGNAT XPC VINCIT XPC IMPERAT Translation: Christ reigns, Christ conquers, Christ Commands Mint Edinburgh, Scotland
Created on: Thursday 13th July 2023
Last updated: Thursday 7th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

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Record ID: NCL-58B840
Object type: BUCKLE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy buckle, or possibly a brooch, of Medieval date, c. AD 1150-1450.  The artefact comprises a circular frame with circular profile. An attached pin composed of drawn wire loosely looped around the frame is broken at its midpoint. The artefact is lightly corroded in places and some scratches and nicks. The absence of a constriction where the pin attaches to the frame, together with a lack of decoration or clear obverse/reverse faces, is generally taken as evidence of being a buckle rather than a brooch.  Medieval buckles are well-attested finds o…
Created on: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-5683C3
Object type: HARNESS FITTING
Broad period: ROMAN
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Published
Fragment of a copper alloy and enamel terret ring from the Late Iron Age/early Roman period, c. BC 100-AD 100. The artefact consists of a fragment of the copper alloy terret ring, broken at both ends and tapering from the base to the sides of the ring. The thinnest end is broken and the exposed face is highly abraded. A circular boss with red and white enamel inlay projects from the terret ring. At its widest end is an integral curved collar with a projecting fragment with a rectangular profile extending from it.  Terret rings were used to guide reins on horse harnesses and…
Created on: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Last updated: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-55C056
Object type: VESSEL
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A possible incomplete copper alloy vessel leg of possible Medieval or Post-Medieval date (c. 1300-1900). The artefact consists of a curved metal bar with broadly sub-rectangular profile and central groove. One end has been broken and polished by the finder revealing a shiny grey metal patina consistent with a high tin content. The opposing end has also been broken, but remains unpolished, and is has significant surface pitting and orange and grey coloured corrosion. At this end there is one broken projecting knop extending from the side and another knop extending from the central …
Created on: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-554CB1
Object type: SPOON
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy seal top spoon finial of Post Medieval date (c. AD 1500-1650). The artefact consists of a broken segment of the cylinder-shaped handle stem with circular cross-section leading to an ornate baluster stem with a flat, discoidal finial. The baluster stem is composed of two spherical details connected by a waisted middle and small collar connecting this to the stem. The artefact has an uneven pale greenish patina. Dimensions - length: 51.06mm; diameter of stem: 2.38mm; diameter of finial: 10.75mm; weight: 8.05g.
Created on: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Last updated: Monday 28th August 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-536D56
Object type: HORSESHOE
Broad period: MODERN
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete iron horseshoe of modern date (c. AD 1850-1920). With a broadly oval plan and break at its rear end, this horseshoe has a protruding toe-clip at the front and two symmetrical caulkins (downward facing projections) at the rear. Because of universal corrosion no nails or nail holes are visible. The horseshoe has a broadly irregular plan, suggesting that it was handmade. The large size suggests it was worn by a large draught horse. Toe-clips were routinely added to horseshoes after 1850 to add stability to the hoof in the shoe, while caulkins have been a feature of hor…
Created on: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Last updated: Monday 28th August 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-09B1DD
Object type: TOY
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Cast lead handle from a post-medieval toy pistol, c. AD 1600-1700. Curved in plan with a sub-ovate profile, the handle is solid and cast in one piece. One terminal has a circular profile with a flat face and central hole with slightly projecting iron rivet which connected the handle to the barrel of the toy gun. Both sides are decoratively fluted with two prominent longitudinal ridges and a single upper ridge. The other terminal is oval in plan and worn leaving a central point and sloped edges. The handle has a whitish grey patina with surviving dark grey/black paint in the groove…
Created on: Wednesday 7th June 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 4th October 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: NCL-8A1978
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy weight, of probably post-medieval date . AD 1500-1900. The artefact is broadly circular in plan. The obverse features a raised circumferential ridge enclosing an irregularly pitted interior face. Possibly the interior contained detail which undecipherable through corrosion. The reverse is plain and mostly flat with a raised area possibly caused through corrosion or irregular casting procedure. It has a dark green, pitted patina. Without more visible detail it is not possible to assign a confident date to tthis item, but it morphologically conforms to the broad s…
Created on: Thursday 1st June 2023
Last updated: Monday 2nd October 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: NCL-8679DA
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy trade weight, probably dating from the solo reign of William III (c. 1694-1702).  Circular in plan with a raised outer rim, this weight would have been part of a nest of weight which slotted within one another like nesting dolls. The obverse is decorated with a single incised central circle with the stamped letters W R - which stand for WILLIAM REX - with a stamped crown above. The reverse is mostly plain with a central depression and the circular remains of a casting sprue. The sides gently slope and are undecorated. The artefact is lightly corroded on…
Created on: Thursday 1st June 2023
Last updated: Thursday 30th November 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: NCL-262760
Object type: COIN
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A silver post-medieval sixpence of Elizabeth I (AD 1558-1603) dating to the period AD 1566. Second issue. Square shield on long fourchee reverse. Portcullis initial mark. Mint of London. North Vol 2, p.134, no.1997.
Created on: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 5th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.