Record ID: NCL-2625B6
Object type: COIN
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete silver shilling from the reign of James I/VI, 3rd coinage, dating from 1621-3. North (1991) 2124.  Obverse: Left facing bust with XII behind.  Obverse legend: IACOBUS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX. Mint Mark: Probably thistle. The mint mark is a little worn and has lost some detail. Reverse: Coat of arms. Reverse legend: QUAE DEVS CONIVNXIT NEMO SEPARET. Die axis: 9 o'clock. The coin is in good condition and most of the detail is still crisp and easy to read. The flan is largely in tact and the legend is readable. There is some wear to the reverse crest and…
Created on: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 20th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-261F39
Object type: HAT
Broad period: MODERN
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy spike from the top of a pith helmet, c. AD 1840-1950. On both faces this artefact has a triangular plan with four equal parallel ridges with intermittent grooves connecting to a lateral ridge at its its widest point. Below this the artefact tapers to an open end revealing a hollow interior. The artefact has a dark greenish/black patina. This artefact is believed to be a crushed hexagonal brass spike from the top of a hat or helmet. Brass spikes are a typical feature of some military and ceremonial headwear in the UK and abroad. Although spikes are still a fea…
Created on: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Last updated: Monday 15th January 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-261011
Object type: FLAT AXEHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Published
Complete copper alloy axehead of probable Bronze Age date, possibly early Bronze conforming to Needham's Class 2D Halberton type, c. BC 2350-1601. The axehead has a trapezoidal shape with straight sides, a broad butt, and very minimal blade tip expansion. The cutting edge is largely in tact and free from knicks and breaks. it has a lenticular, narrow profile. The patina is powdery, pale green with some surface pitting. Due to the lack of blade tip expansion and the near rectangular shape, this broadly conforms to Needham's Class 2D Halberton type which date from the Early Bro…
Created on: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Last updated: Thursday 11th January 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-22EEC6
Object type: CASTING WASTE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Irregular fragment of silver or silver alloy casting waste, probably from button or token making processes. Unknown date. The object has a smooth, flat reverse with a greyish patina and irregular nicks and scratches consistent with below-ground wear. The obverse has a flat, pitted, rectangular base with irregularly broken edges and two raised discoidal features. The smaller discoidal feature has a windmill-like design consisting of four grooves radiating from the centre and intermittent raised triangular segments. The larger discoidal feature with irregular flan has a cobweb-like…
Created on: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Last updated: Thursday 20th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-FDE6B9
Object type: SPOON
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy handle from a seal-top style post-medieval spoon, of probable late 16th or 17th century. So called because the handle terminal resembles a seal, this examples features a flat round discoid terminal with curved baluster style collar and straight stem with oval cross section, broken at the junction between the handle and the spoon bowl. There are no maker's marks, though on more complete examples these are usually located on the bowl. It has a powdery greenish patina and some surface corrosion. Measurements - length: 94.22mm; diameter of stem: 4.03mm; diameter of seal…
Created on: Monday 1st May 2023
Last updated: Thursday 6th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-FD8542
Object type: PIPE TAMPER
Broad period: MODERN
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete solid copper alloy anthropomorphic pipe tamper probably post medieval to modern c. AD 1700-1900. Styled as a shapely leg wearing a below-the-knee boot with a slight heel and punched circular motif extending from the top of the boot to above the knee, the artefact is angled above the knee leading to the top of the thigh which has an irregularly incised cross-hatch design on the flat terminus. It has a dark brown/grey patina with patches of green corrosion and some wear around the ankle and foot. The patina suggests this artefact does not have significant ag…
Created on: Monday 1st May 2023
Last updated: Thursday 6th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-FCE954
Object type: SPUR
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy rowel spur of later medieval or post medieval date, c. AD 1450-1700. The artefact comprises a curved heel plate with a D-shaped cross section. Both sides are broken and the terminals are missing. The neck and rowel box survive. It has a powdery green patina and heavily corroded surface. The surviving sides suggest it had straight sides suggesting it dates from after c. 1450. Rowel spurs were routinely used between c. 1450-1700 and this example lacks any clear diagnostic features to assign a more precise date. Measurements - length: 58.98mm; thicknes…
Created on: Monday 1st May 2023
Last updated: Friday 7th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-015171
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy sestertius of Commodus dated to AD 181. Obverse features the laureate bust of Commodus. The bust is severely worn, but it is possible to identify some of the hair curls and the tassle at the back of the laureate. Reverse features the worn figure of a left facing Annona holding ears of corn in her right hand and a cornucopia in her left hand. The coin has an uneven flan suggesting it has been clipped and on both faces the legends have worn away.
Created on: Wednesday 19th April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 19th April 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-D4DFB2
Object type: TOKEN
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete lead biface token of probable post-medieval date (c. AD 1600-1800). One face features an off-centre worn relief image of an anchor (Powell Type 5), while the other face features two sets of initials separated by a bisecting line in relief (Powell Type 2). The top letters, although worn, read .T.A.. The lower letters are harder to read but might read .S.P.. Both faces are very worn and the edges are chipped. It has a grey/cream patina with areas of rust coloured corrosion.  Made and used locally, these tokens are difficult to assign firm dates to outside of archaeological…
Created on: Wednesday 5th April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-D455B3
Object type: SPINDLE WHORL
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete lead spindle whorl of Walton Rogers Form A1, c. AD 850-1500. Plano-convex, with a flat, undecorated base and convex, undecorated top. It has a central aperture. The outer flan and inner aperture are chipped and worn suggesting significant contemporary wear and damage sustained from below-ground deposition. It has a cream/grey patina, some surface pitting and stratches. The shape is consistent with Walton Rogers Class A1 spindle whorl typology.  Measurements - Diameter: 28.90mm; aperture diameter: 9.37mm; thickness: 5.88mm; weight: 23.52g
Created on: Wednesday 5th April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-AEF75D
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: MODERN
County: Newcastle upon Tyne
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy (brass) trade weight, probably dating to the reign of King George IV of England (AD 1820-1830).  The weight is circular with a flat base with central shallow concavitie and incised ring. The sides slope gently outwards and are flat and undecorated. The top features a raised circumferential rim with incised circular detail, central circle with interior concavitie and stamped motifs, including a stamped crown with the letters GR and Roman numeral 4 'IIII'. Because of wear and placement of stamps, some of these stamps are hard to read today.  Base…
Created on: Monday 3rd April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-88547B
Object type: PLATE
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of a pewter plate of probable post medieval date (c. AD 1670-1730). The artefact is part of the rim of a plate which would have measured approx. 16cm diameter. The artefact is a curved, slightly concaved sheet of pewter (lead alloy) bounded on both sides by incised reeding. Beyond the outer reed is a broken edge of pewter, suggesting the vessel continued beyond this reeding, while beyond the inner reed there is a slight downstep and another irregular broken edge. Both faces have a dark shiny grey patina and significant dents and scratches. The broken edges are very worn and ab…
Created on: Saturday 1st April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-8751B7
Object type: BUCKLE
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy shoe or knee buckle of probable post medieval date (c. AD 1720-1790). The frame is sub-rectangular and concave with a missing central spindle, pin and chape. The hole for the spindle is neatly drilled, indicating that the spindle was not integrally connected. Buckles with drilled spindle holes are generally dated to the mid-late 18th century, with earlier examples having integral spindles (Whitehead 2003). The buckle has a dark green even patina and some light surface abrasion. This kind of buckle would have been a decorative and functional accessory …
Created on: Saturday 1st April 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-70784C
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete lead standing or suspension weight of probable medieval or post medieval date (c. AD 1200 - 1800).  Pyramid-shaped with an irregularly shaped base with central depression. The four sides taper to a pointed top with off-centre perforation. Because the base is irregularly shaped, the weight leans to one side. The weight has a grey patina with patches of white/cream corrosion and some surface pitting and dents.  The artefact weighs 79.62g which equates to slightly over 2 ounces. Weights like this are difficult to date outside of archaeological contexts as they va…
Created on: Friday 31st March 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-6CC500
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Newcastle upon Tyne
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete lead weight or gaming piece of probable post-medieval date. Cylindrical in shape, both flat terminals feature off-centre stamped sunburst designs and the sides have thin, narrow, regularly incised lines. The regularity and crispness of the design suggests it was created using a machine-made mould and stamps. This artefact weighs 9.68g, which roughly equates to a 1/3 of an ounce. It has a cream/white patina With some chipping and surface abrasion. Measurements - height: 10.79mm; diameter: 10.39mm; weight: 9.68g.
Created on: Friday 31st March 2023
Last updated: Monday 2nd October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-5B4C78
Object type: BUCKLE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy buckle, dating from the medieval to post-medieval period (c. AD 1400-1600). It consists of a rectangular double-looped frame with worn central bar. The outer face is decorated with irregularly incised diagonal lines on the two outside long sides, and the rear is plainly decorated. The central pin is missing. It has a dark brown/black patina and some light surface abrasion.  Rectangular buckles are typically post-14th century with similar examples have been found on the wreck of the Mary Rose. Similar examples on the PAS database include DENO-E7C9…
Created on: Thursday 30th March 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 27th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-E32C71
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: County Durham
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Description: Complete gold mourning (memento mori) finger ring probably dating from AD 1680. The ring has a D-shaped section with flat interior and convex exterior face. The interior has an inscription reading ‘Prepare to follow me LH 80’ in italic script. The exterior face has the incised image of a skull, missing the top of the head and the lower row of teeth and chin, emphasised with black niello inlay which is missing in places. Dimensions:  External diameter of hoop: 20.29mm; internal diameter of hoop: 18.06mm; thickness: 1.18mm; height: 4.12mm. Weight: 3.20g D…
Created on: Friday 24th March 2023
Last updated: Saturday 28th October 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Ebchester Area', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NCL-AA8D57
Object type: COIN
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy Scottish half groat, or turner, dating from the reign of Charles II (1660-1685). The obverse has no legible detail, on the reverse a faint thistle can be discerned. There are no legible legends.
Created on: Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 19th April 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: NCL-9D6D59
Object type: COIN
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Silver hammered long cross Penny of Edward I (1272-1307 AD), class 3g issue of 1280-1282. Obverse features front facing bust of Edward I within beaded circle. Legend reads '+ EDW R ANGL DNS hYB'. Reverse features long cross above beaded circle with three pellets contained in the angles. Legend reads 'CIVI TAS LON DON' Coin is in good condition with unclipped edges and very little wear. Measurements - diameter: 19.44mm; thickness: 0.46mm; weight: 1.34g.
Created on: Tuesday 21st March 2023
Last updated: Thursday 20th April 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NCL-9A541E
Object type: STRAP FITTING
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Northumberland
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy  lozenge-shaped mount or strap fitting dating to the post medieval period (c. 1550-1700AD).  The object is broadly lozenge-shape, although the edges are slightly wavy and has 8 transfer ridges with traces of gilding in some furrows and the remains of two attachment rivets are visible. The rear is concave and the attachment lugs have been lost.  Strap fittings have been in use from the late Medieval to Post Medieval period. Egan (2005, p39) comments that when they were used as dress accessories and continued on horse harness straps into the 18th c…
Created on: Tuesday 21st March 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 19th April 2023
Spatial data recorded.