2024-03-29T05:35:43+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/results1508120finds-741883741883NMGW-268725FINGER RINGMEDIEVALGold decorative ring with central spine of very fine raised pellets, between two raised plain borders. The inside of the hoop is plain.
Internal hoop diameter 17.6mm; band width 3.8mm; band thickness 0.6mm; weight 1.76g. The ring has not undergone any cleaning or conservation.
The form of the ring is similar to that of some fifteenth-century gold posy rings which have pelleted bands enclosing mottoes or poesies (such as a ring from Chinnor, Oxfordshire ref. no. 2010T660). A similar band style, with raised mid spine, occurs on a late medieval gold decorative ring found at Jordanstown, Rosemarket, Pembrokeshire (TAR 2003, no. 414), while ridged borders occur on late medieval rings in the British Museum (eg Dalton 1912, no. 986). The central ridge appears to be a feature of late fifteenth/early sixteenth-century finger rings.29361400155012013T123NMGW2013-07-14T00:00:00Z2016.55Wrexham museum2015-09-23T09:53:06Z2024-02-02T10:13:24Z1.76PAS5602687200155F17.60.63.812354111741424258312211725831WrexhamWrexhamHoltSJ415353.07096074-2.88202854237446NMGW-285255Gold10892GeometricCastGildedCompleteMEDIEVALx14221POST MEDIEVALx41047x14221Controlled archaeological investigationAcquired by museum after being declared TreasureDH007027.jpg533812images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12024-02-02T10:13:24.071Zfinds-643226643226NMGW-10CD28FINGER RINGMEDIEVALLate medieval copper alloy finger-ring of 15th to early 16th century date
The finger-ring is of seal type and is near-complete but is heavily-corroded and the band is distorted and broken (with a surviving length of 22.1mm, a width of 26.5mm, an internal diameter of 22.2mm and a weight of 5.1g). The hoop is of D-shaped section and is narrowest at the base (at 3.5mm wide and 1.8mm thick) gradually widening to the shoulders and bezel (with a width of 11.0mm and a thickness of 2.3mm). The shoulders are decorated with a double ribbed moulding, diverging towards the bezel. The bezel is corroded but appears to have been decorated with a heraldic device comprising a shield containing three chevrons. The bezel also appears to have had an octagonal border, possibly composed of punched dots. The surface has a pale-green encrusted corrosion.
The finger-ring can be broadly paralleled with examples in precious metal recoded through the Treasure Act, such a silver finger-ring found at Charlton Marshall in Dorset in December 2003[1].
[1] Robinson, J.P.; 2004; 209 Charlton Marshall, Dorset: Medieval silver finger-ring (2004 T7)
in Treasure Annual Report 2004signet2929331400160014NMGWNMWPA 2013.45.52014-10-17T13:34:26Z2024-01-03T11:46:53Z5.1PAS54410CD20018A522.226.522.117123414142425502614425502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganWickSS927251.4366694-3.55514441263454706NMGW-10E369Copper alloy10627OtherIncompleteCorrodedMEDIEVALx14221LateLateMEDIEVALx14221x14221Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.45.5 jpg.jpg488569images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12024-01-03T11:46:53.743Zfinds-703994703994NMGW-B4AAE0FINGER RINGMEDIEVALMedieval copper alloy finger-ring of stirrup form and possibly of late 12th or 13th century date
The finger-ring appears complete but the hoop is distorted (with a distorted overall length of 25.9mm, a distorted width of 20.4mm and a weight of 3.5g). The hoop is of shallow D-shaped section (with a width of 2.5mm and a thickness of 0.5mm) and gradually widens towards the shoulders. The bezel (with a depth of 4.8mm and a width of 7.4mm) is of stirrup form but with a near-circular flat top (5.7mm diameter). The sides of the stirrup appear to have circular recesses or possibly a circular perforation containing a plug (of 2-3mm diameter). There is no applied decoration on the surface of the ring. The surface is worn and corroded with a pale-green corrosion overlying the red-brown metal.2929110013004NMGWstirrup shapedNMWPA 2014.102.42015-02-11T12:27:26Z2024-01-03T11:46:07Z3.5PAS54DB4AAE00102120.425.9171441Copper alloy10627CompleteCorrodedMEDIEVALx14221MEDIEVALx14221x14221Metal detectorReturned to finder20141044jpg.jpg504636images/wenkedomscheit/Certain12024-01-03T11:46:07.306Zfinds-708759708759NMGW-70F9DDLINCH PINIRON AGELate Iron Age copper alloy linch-pin of Vase-headed type and probably of 1st century BC to mid-1st century AD date
The linch-pin comprises the cast copper alloy head and the end fragment of the iron shank (with an overall length of 39.1mm and a weight of 85.5g). The terminal is sub-circular (with a diameter of 27.2mm - 29.6mm) and the face is flat but with raised decoration. There is a raised rim, inside of which is a concentric grooved border (23mm diameter). A raised ring on the interior incorporates a 'Celtic' motif and widens to form three raised pelta-shapes. The surviving edge pelta respects but does not abut the central device. The central motif was likely to be of three-armed form but does not appear to have been symmetrical and is slightly raised, now corroded and incomplete. The motif was arranged around a central circular ring (16mm diameter), off of which is a sub-triangular leaf with convex sides. The sides of the leaf respect one of the edge peltas. The remaining parts of the motif are uncertain but there is the suggestion of an S-scroll on one side and a third 'arm' of the motif is now lost and of uncertain form. The decoration does not appear to have been enamelled within the recessed areas. Below the terminal the head is circular and waisted (with a minimum diameter of 16.2mm), before expanding to the convex midsection (with a diameter of 24.5mm). There is a sub-square to D-shaped perforation (5-6mm square) to accommodate a pin through the mid-part. The perforation abuts a collar at the attachment end of the mid-part. There is no surviving evidence for applied decoration on the side of the linch-pin. The linch-pin head narrows to the end of the sub-rectangular sectioned iron shaft (14.7mm x 11.4mm) and survives were it is protected by D-shaped side lugs (11.7mm long and 12.3mm wide). The surface is heavily corroded with remnants of a dark-green patina.Vase-headed linch-pins have a comparatively long currency from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD and are understood to be a British innovation (Macdonald, 2000, p 48) , with a largely Southern-British distribution. The loss of much of the decorative detail on the head makes dating somewhat more difficult although the surviving part would suggest a sinuous and non-symmetric tripartite device arranged around a central roundel and may be seen as perhaps Stage V style suggesting a date towards the end of the range, perhaps first century BC to mid first century AD. In Wales a linch-pin of similar form but with an undecorated face was recorded from Llyn Cerrig Bach, Anglesey (Savory, 1976, fig. 13) and a recent example recorded with PAS from the Vale of Glamorgan.
1. Macdonald, P.; 2000, A Reassessment of the Copper Alloy Artefacts from the Llyn Cerrig Bach, Anglesey Assemblage; unpublished PhD thesis
2. Savory, H.; 1976; A Guide Collection of the Iron Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
3. Lodwick,M (2014) NMGW-9B1B42 A IRON AGE LINCH PIN Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/607466 [Accessed: 10 Sep 2014 16:51:41]linch-pin of Vase-headed type161633-1005013NMGWheadNMWPA 2014.1762015-03-04T13:58:53Z2023-12-16T18:33:10Z85.5PAS54F70F9D001DF229.639.11781131414142444425182144425TorfaenTorfaenCroesyceiliogST309651.6584072-3.013352721735010NMGW-70FBFCCopper alloy10627Iron11019OtherCastFragmentCorrodedIRON AGEx13992LateLateIRON AGEx13992x13992Metal detectorReturned to finder2014176jpg.jpg507948images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-12-16T18:33:10.6Zfinds-708797708797NMGW-715DFCSPEARHEADBRONZE AGEMiddle Bronze Age bronze side-looped socketed spearhead of Davis' (2012, 53-58) Group 4: Plain kite blade, dating to the Acton Park metalworking phase (1500-1400 BC) (Needham et al. 1997).
The spearhead is near-complete with peripheral damage to the mouth and tip (with a length of 103.9mm and a weight of 66.0g). The socket is circular (with an internal diameter of 17.2mm and an external diameter of 20.2mm) and has a rounded step just above the mouth. The socket has not been completely cleaned-out (and has a current depth of 23mm) and contains bronze corrosion. The sides of the socket are near-straight and convergent towards the blade. The loops are flat topped of sub-lozenge shape (14mm long by 6mm wide), which begin 21mm from the socket mouth. The perforations beneath the loops are slender and oval, containing sediment (4.0-5.7mm long and 2mm high). Both sides have a ridge, running between the mouth and the loop and between the top of the loop and the base of the blade, resulting from the careful finishing of the casting seams. There appear to be decorative grooves flanking the loops.
The short blade can be described as "kite-shaped" (with a maximum width near its base of 23.0mm and a length of 48mm) with flat blade edges. The socket continues into the blade as a narrowing and more angular midrib. Weak blade facets are discernible but are now worn. The spearhead has been very neatly finished with no casting flashes evident. The surface of the spearhead is preserved with a dark green patina. Deep sharpening striations are evident beneath the patina running along both sides of the blade and onto the midrib on both faces.Davis (2012, 53f.) presents plain side-looped spearheads with a kite-shaped blade as his Group 4 for Britain. These are further sub-divided into two types, based on the overall size of the spearhead and the shape of the loop plates. The present examples can be classed as Type 4A due to it being over 90mm and having lozenge-shaped loop plates. Davis (2012) records 21 Type 4A spearheads, though this example is the first from a secure context in Wales. Previously, one was known from the Museum of Aberystwyth, but without any provenance. A spearhead of a similar form was found at Marbury cum Quoisley in Cheshire (PAS LVPL-69F851).
A similar side-looped spearhead was found in the Thames at Mortlake, now in the Museum of London , and had remnants of the wooden shaft surviving. The shaft was radiocarbon dated by Needham et al (1997, DOB 31) to 1680 - 1400BC (with 95% confidence).Side-looped131322-1600-14003NMGWDavis (2012) Group 4A Plain Kite BladeNMWPA 2014.171.12015-03-04T14:25:35Z2023-10-13T16:32:45Z66PAS54F715DF001D27103.9171212141424255021906825502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganLlantwit MajorSS996751.39301857-3.45304809119736NMGW-716826Copper alloy10627CastIncompleteGoodBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleMiddleBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder20141711jpg.jpg507961images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-10-13T15:32:45.104Zfinds-649154649154NMGW-5FE6F1BRACELETROMANCopper alloy bracelet fragment, of Roman date, belonging to Cool's Group XXXVIII
The bracelet is of unusual form and type and is incomplete, distorted and worn, represented by half of the original (with a distorted length of 47.9mm and a weight of 24.1g). Both ends may have been hinged, with at least one end having a removable axis bar. One of the ends has peripheral lugs (giving a maximum width of 26.1mm and a thickness of 4.0mm), which are slightly longer at one end and containing a slot, possibly to remove the axis bar. Remnants of the iron axis bar are present within the lugs. The central slot between the lugs is rectangular (6.4mm wide and 6.2mm deep). There is a rectangular raised and now damaged tab positioned off-centre behind the slot, possibly with a chain-loop to secure the axis bar. The opposite terminal comprises a central rectangular slot (5.9mm wide and 5.0mm deep) perforated and containing remnants of the ferrous axis bar. Behind the terminal are two incised transverse lines. There are rounded peripheral lugs at the ends of each terminal (19.8mm and 20.5mm wide). The band appears to have had straight parallel sides but is now very heavily worn one side (with a maximum surviving thickness of 4.2mm and a minimum of 10.7mm)has a prominent rounded midrib (3.5mm thick). There is a raised border on the better preserved side and there is the possible suggestion of incised decoration, possibly chevrons along the band but now heavily corroded and worn. The surface is poorly preserved with remnants of a dark-green patina and orange-brown corrosion.
The bracelet is difficult to parallel in archaeological literature; the hinge and attachment mechanism can be broadly paralleled in Iron Age and Romano-British neck ornaments. It is possible that the bracelet fragment could attach and hinge to another similar form. The similarity in design with the hinge head and bow of Roman brooches such as Aucissa and allied types may not be coincidental and may suggest a date of 1st century AD.bracelet212114NMGWCool's Group XXXVIIINMWPA 2013.1482014-11-14T13:06:55Z2023-10-11T10:28:48Z24.1PAS5465FE6F0010B9426.147.91781234141427439251712743925WiltshireWiltshireSutton BengerST957751.49192238-2.07340981263516598NMGW-5FEF1ACopper alloy10627Iron11019OtherIncompleteCorrodedROMANx41218ROMANx41218x41218Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.148jpg.jpg492685images/wenkedomscheit/South WestCertain12023-10-11T09:28:48.32Zfinds-708746708746NMGW-70CEE5BROOCHROMANRoman copper alloy brooch of Trumpet variant type and of late 1st or 2nd century AD date
The brooch is near-complete, missing the pin (with a length of 59.7mm, a depth of mm and a weight of 11.7g). The missing pin was hinged within semi-tubular wings and probably around an iron axis bar. The head is sub-rectangular, surmounted with an integral chain-loop (with a width of 14.1mm and a length of 17.4mm). The chain-loop is circular (with a diameter of 9.5mm, an internal diameter of 6.3mm and a thickness of 1.8mm) and has a ribbed moulding at its base. The upper bow springs from the base of the head and is of D-shaped section (9.3mm wide and 2.7mm thick) with straight sides converging to the button. There is no applied decoration on the upper bow or head. The button is of acanthus form, faceted at the centre and flanked on each side by a single ribbed moulding. The leg is of rounded triangular section with mid-ridge enhanced by a notches. The sides of the leg are straight and convergent to the foot. The foot comprises a double-ribbed moulding. The catch-plate is comparatively short (at 16.0mm with a length of 10.1mm for the catch), is placed at the centre of the leg with a step to its upper edge. The surface has a mid-green patina with the suggestion of remnant traces of silvered or tinned surface.The brooch corresponds with Hull's type 158 which Hattatt suggests have a distribution centred on Wiltshire and Dorset (Hattatt (1987, p 125-38) . The brooch has a bow similar to Trumpet types but a hinged head similar to Headstud and allied types.
1. Hattatt, R.; 1987, Brooches of AntiquityTrumpet, Group B:waist-moulding flat at back, fixed headloop. Sprung or hinged pin.2121802003NMGWHull T153D-F; Bayley and Butcher 2004, Group B, 161, fig. 130NMWPA 2014.175.52015-03-04T13:47:26Z2023-09-19T15:43:40Z11.7PAS54F70CEE0015B259.71712314142638904359738904County of HerefordshireCounty of HerefordshireMadleySO413652.01926911-2.861188263476176NMGW-70D054Copper alloy10627OtherIncompleteROMANx41218ROMANx41218x41218Metal detectorReturned to finder20141755jpg.jpg507943images/wenkedomscheit/West MidlandsPossibly32023-09-19T14:43:40.645Zfinds-646058646058NMGW-39E02FBROOCHROMANRoman copper alloy brooch of uncertain type, possibly an emailed T-shaped, or allied type and of 1st or 2nd century AD date.
The brooch is fragmentary, missing the head and upper bow (with a surviving length of 33.5mm, a surviving depth of 16.4mm and a weight of 3.2g). The mid bow has broken across a decorative square panel (7.6mm wide and 1.9mm thick), which probably had an enamel motif, possibly a saltire cross. Beneath the panel are horizontal ribs. The leg is of D-shaped section with straight sides converging to the forward-projecting foot. The leg was decorated with a central column of horizontal grooves. The catch-plate is positioned to one side of the rear of the leg. The surface has a pale-green patina.
The fragmentary nature of the brooch makes typological identification difficult but the form of the mid-bow, leg and positioning of the catch-plate may suggest an enamelled T-shaped, or allied type of later 1st or 2nd century AD date.uncertain type but possibly Developed T-shaped2121432003NMGWNMWPA 2013.76.22014-10-31T14:34:42Z2023-07-28T15:11:03Z3.2PAS54539E02001F9A1.97.633.5171141414244442644426NewportNewportST429051.60583439-2.83890088263498868NMGW-39E5A5Copper alloy10627FragmentCorrodedROMANx41218ROMANx41218x41218Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.76.2jpg.jpg490591images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-07-28T14:11:03.064Zfinds-741649741649NMGW-03238BFINGER RINGPOST MEDIEVALGold mourning ring with stylized skull on outside of hoop. The hoop is of flattened D cross-section. The inner face of the hoop is inscribed with the text J. A. ob 25 July 98 aeta 37, in italic script (J. A. died 25th July ..98 aged 37).
Internal hoop diameter 19 mm; band width 2.9mm; band thickness 1 mm; weight 2.7g. The ring has not undergone any cleaning or conservation.
The form of the ring and style of lettering indicates that it dates to the late seventeenth century, a date confirmed by the commemorative inscription. The letter forms with top looped 'b' and 'l' , scrolls on 'A', appear on John Ayres's 'A tutor to penmanship; or, the writing master' (1698). The use of two numbers to denote date is also typical of seventeenth-century practice. The skull/death's head as a motif occurs on the earliest mourning rings, dating to the fifteenth century, and the motif remained popular thought the seventeenth century. As the ring is commemorative, it post-dates the date of death, but is likely to have been engraved within a short period. Another mourning ring with stylized skull head from Hundleton, Pembrokeshire, bears a similar inscription, dated 1703 (Treasure Case 13.24).J. A. ob 25 July 98 aeta 3736361650170012014T1313NMGW2015-07-23T00:00:00ZCarmarthen Museum2015-09-21T17:37:12Z2023-06-26T19:52:36Z2.7PAS56003238001B6B1912.91235471172141424254862376625486CarmarthenshireCarmarthenshireKidwellySN400751.73880345-4.31866228249146NMGW-0334D7Gold10892FigurativeCastIncised or engraved or chasedCompleteGoodPOST MEDIEVALx41047POST MEDIEVALx41047x41047Metal detectorAcquired by museum after being declared TreasureDH007901_01.jpg533563images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-26T18:52:36.96Zfinds-643865643865NMGW-7ACC04FINGER RINGPOST MEDIEVALPost medieval to modern tin alloy (pewter) decorative ring of uncertain function
The ring is sub-circular and is complete and comparatively heavy (with a diameter of 27.0mm - 28.7mm, an internal diameter of 20.7mm - 22.3mm and a weight of 16.0g). The ring is of rectangular section (with a width of 10.3mm and a thickness of 1.8mm - 2.5mm) and is angular. One side is decorated with three raised pyramidical bosses (3mm high). There is a border between each of the bosses and also between the edges of the ring. The ring has no applied decoration.
Metallurgical analysis was conducted using X-ray fluorescence, demonstrating that the metal is a tin- lead alloy, very probably pewter. The surface has a grey patina and has recently been filed on the edges to reveal the silver-coloured alloy.
There are few diagnostic attributes on the ring making any confident identification difficult. The ring is very unlikely to be a finger-ring and is more consistent with a decorative fitting, probably from a composite object, perhaps as part of a candlestick, or similar. The pewter alloy would seem to suggest a tableware component, probably of 18th to earlier 20th century date.3641170019254NMGWNMWPA 2013.542014-10-22T14:10:24Z2023-06-22T17:31:38Z16PAS5447ACC000147C28.71.810.31331431414242550225502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganSS877651.47164478-3.62832605263454016NMGW-7AD965Tin or tin alloy11849OtherCompletePOST MEDIEVALx41047MODERNx41047Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.54 jpg.jpg489112images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-22T16:31:38.912Zfinds-652992652992NMGW-DD80BCSPEARHEADBRONZE AGEBronze Age socketed spearhead, possibly of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1600 - 1200BC
The spearhead is fragmentary, represented by a median fragment (with a surviving length of 47.7mm and a weight of 9.4g). The mouth of the socket is missing (with a surviving depth of 31.4mm) and is open on one face but appears to have been of sub-circular to oval (with a maximum surviving internal diameter of 8mm). The socket defines a prominent midrib on the more complete face (giving a maximum surviving thickness of 7.5mm). On either side of the midrib, the beginnings of the blade are evident but are heavily truncated (with a maximum surviving width of 13.3mm). There is the suggestion that the blade edges begin just above the break and if correct, implies a spearhead of comparatively small size. The tip is missing and the spearhead is of pointed oval section at the break (8.8mm wide and 4.3mm thick). The surface is heavily-corroded but remnant traces of a dark brown patina survive on the side of the midrib and displays filing or sharpening striations running along the blade.
The fragmentary aspect and poor preservation of the artefact makes any identification difficult, the general form however is consistent with Middle Bronze Age spearheads and the suggested scale may tentatively suggest a spearhead of side-looped type and of Acton Park metalworking, dating to c. 1600 - 1400BC.Fragment131322-1600-12003NMGWNMWPA 2013.195.12014-12-02T15:17:31Z2023-06-21T12:32:17Z9.4PAS547DD80B001D0747.7171114141424255021906425502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganLlancarfanST077051.42135531-3.33888791263454546NMGW-DD8348Copper alloy10627CastFragmentCorrodedBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleMiddleBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.195.1jpg.jpg495233images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-21T11:32:17.937Zfinds-653647653647NMGW-092622SPEARHEADBRONZE AGEProbable fragmentary Middle to Late Bronze Age spearhead
The spearhead is represented the incomplete pointed socket only (with a surviving length of 67.8mm and a weight of 36.6g). The socket (with a surviving depth of 34.5mm and a maximum surviving internal diameter of 14mm and 20mm external) is open on one face and appears to have been sub-circular to oval. The interior of the socket is particularly roughly cast at its base but has undergone more finishing near the break. There are remnant stubs on one side, possibly suggesting loops for binding a spearhead. The spearhead width expands slightly where the blade would have begun (to 21.5mm) before the straight sides converge to the point. Both face are convex and rounded and the more complete face has a slight concavity along its length. The converging sides appear damaged with the stubs of the blade evident. There is a concave stepped moulding at the top of the socket on both faces where remnants of the patina survive. The remnant surface has a green-brown patina and elsewhere has a pale-green corrosion.
The fragmentary aspect and poor preservation of the artefact makes any identification difficult, the form however is consistent with Bronze Age spearheads and the remnant stubs on the side of the socket may suggest a spearhead of side-looped type and of Acton Park metalworking, dating to c. 1600 - 1400BC. The step moulding on the faces is more difficult to parallel but it is likely that the curve echoed the curve of the missing blade edge, emanating from the sides of the moulding.Pegged1313233NMGWNMWPA 2013.130.12014-12-04T16:57:06Z2023-06-21T12:32:08Z36.6PAS548092620012202067.8171114141424255021905825502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganPenllynSS977651.47355559-3.484404263454708NMGW-093021Copper alloy10627CastFragmentCorrodedBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleLateBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.130.1jpg.jpg495617images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-21T11:32:08.974Zfinds-702291702291NMGW-0BF252SPEARHEADBRONZE AGE
Bronze Age bronze spearhead of Davis' (2012) Group I form and of Arreton Down metalworking dating to the latest part of the Early Bronze Age, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 4 dated c. 1700 - 1500BC.
The spearhead is near-complete with a distorted tang (with a length of 229mm and a weight of 193.4g). The end of the tang has a separate, circular-sectioned rivet with slightly expanded ends (28.0mm long and 6.6 - 8.1mm diameter and up to 8.8mm diameter for the ends) remaining in-place. The end of the tang is rounded (with a width of 14.1mm, a thickness of 2.3mm and positioned 3mm from the rivet). The tang is rectangular sectioned with near straight sides, slightly narrower above the rivet and gradually thickening towards the blade (with a minimum width of 11.4mm and a maximum thickness of 9.5mm). The blade has bevelled shoulders to give a maximum width near the base (of 42.1mm and a blade length of 156mm). Little of the original blade edge survives but they appear to have been straight and gradually converging to the tip. The spearhead faces have median bevels, giving a lozenge section (with a maximum thickness near the base of 10.7mm). The blade faces are stepped parallel to the edge (7mm from the edge) with an additional blade facet discernible in the better preserved area (2mm from the edge). No applied decoration is evident on the spearhead and there are no sharpening striations discernible. The surface has a mid-green patina with a dark green and blue (possibly azurite) corrosion, some of which appears to be active.
Analysis to ascertain the composition of the metal of both the spearhead and the rivet was attempted using X-ray fluorescence, the results are not semi-quantitative but indicate that the spearhead alloy is an arsenical bronze, while the rivet is a tin bronze with only trace arsenic levels . It is unclear whether different alloys were used for practical reasons or whether the two parts were made at different times.
Tanged spearheads are not a commonly recovered artefact type, with seemingly only four other recorded examples from Wales. Two of the four tanged spearheads were recovered from Penllyn , indicating a highly-significant local clustering for the type. The other two spearheads are from Ystradyfodwg, Rhondda (Savory, 1980, no. 225, p. 111) and from Llanfachreth, Gwynedd (Savory, 1980, no. 336, p. 132). The Glamorgan tanged spearheads are of a similar form to this example but are generally decorated. The Gwynedd spearhead is of a more squat form.
1. Davis, R.; 2012; The Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads of Britain; Prähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung V, 2012, Band 5
2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
3. Mary Davis; spearhead: XRF no. 1097/8; rivet: XRF no. 1099 - 1100
4. PAS: NMGW314, NMW 2000.54 & Amgueddfa Cymru accession number: 99.9H/2
5. Savory, H.; 1980; A Guide Collection of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of WalesTanged131311-1700-150013NMGWDavis (2012) Group 1ANMGWPA 2014.432015.5HAC-NMW (National Museum Wales)2015-02-03T12:29:25Z2023-06-21T11:10:25Z193.4PAS54D0BF250011EB229177214141424255021905825502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganPenllynSS977551.4645671-3.48411224263454706NMGW-0C04D4Copper alloy10627CastIncompleteCorrodedBRONZE AGEx13712EarlyEarlyBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorAcquired by a museum - not a Treasure case201443.jpg503349images/wenkedomscheit/WalesProbably22023-06-21T10:10:25.233Zfinds-661408661408NMGW-E7AAA1SPEARHEADBRONZE AGEMiddle Bronze Age bronze spearhead of Davis' (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped) type.
The spearhead is incomplete and heavily corroded, missing the mouth, tip, blade and side loops (with a surviving length of 62.6mm and a weight of 15.0g with an emptied socket). The mouth has been lost and the base is sub-circular (with a diameter of 12.4mm - 14.2mm and with a thickness of up to 2mm). The socket has straight sides which gradually converge (with a surviving depth of 33.5mm). Remnants of the stubs of the side loops are discernible on both sides (beginning 23mm from the surviving mouth and with a length of 9mm). Further along the spearhead the remnants of the blade are discernible (beginning 38mm from the surviving mouth). The spearhead appears to have been of sub-lozenge section at the blade, probably suggesting a midrib. Little survives of the blade, which survives as a flange (with a maximum surviving height of 1.0mm). The spearhead has broken before the tip but above the end of the socket, although there is the suggestion of tapering brown core beneath the bronze, perhaps representing the core from casting. Surprisingly, the core was observed to be magnetic, indicating that it is ferrous, possibly suggesting reuse or repair at a later date (at least 800 years later) or possibly but unlikely as a by-product of the casting process or because of a post-depositional event. Patches of the original surface with a dark green patina survives and there is the suggestion of sharpening striations running parallel to the blade.
~ Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
~ Accession number: A11811
~ Needham, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Coombs, D., Cartwright, C., Pettitt, P.; 1997; An Independent Chronology for British Bronze Age Metalwork: The Results of the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Programme; Archaeological Journal 154, p. 55-107Although the spearhead is fragmentary, there are enough diagnostic features present to be confident in identify it as of side-looped type. It falls within Davis' (2012) Group 6. A similar side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has recently been dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating. However, overall Davis (2012, 108-110) places this group within the Taunton-Penard metalworking phases.
Davis notes almost 500 Group 6 spearheads from across Britain dating to the Middle Bronze Age, which have a broad distribution. Davis' spearhead sub-types 6A, 6B and 6C are particularly prevalent across Wales, all of which have 'flame-shaped' blades, which might strengthen the idea that this spearhead originally had a flame-shaped blade, rather than a leaf-shaped blade. The spearhead can be paralleled with a number of similar examples in National Museum & Galleries of Wales' collections (Savory 1980, Nos. 227-230).Side-looped131322-1500-11003NMGWDavis (2012) Group 6NMWPA 2014.32015-01-20T15:56:26Z2023-06-21T11:10:00Z15PAS54BE7AAA0010A062.617111141424255021905825502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganPenllynST017951.50123654-3.4276731263454728NMGW-E7AC9ECopper alloy10627CastFragmentBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleMiddleBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder2014.3jpg.jpg501846images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-21T10:10:00.052Zfinds-653445653445NMGW-036216SPEARHEADBRONZE AGEMiddle Bronze Age bronze spearhead of side-looped type, falling within Davis' (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped).
The spearhead is near-complete, with some peripheral damage, missing some of the mouth and one of the side loops (with a length of 110.7mm) and the socket retains the deposit (giving a weight of 53.5g). The mouth is sub-circular (with a diameter of 18.5mm - 19.8mm) and the rim has a subtle bevel. The loops were flat-topped and oval (18-19mm long, 6mm wide and 2mm high), positioned approximately halfway between the mouth and start of the blade (14-16mm from the mouth and 12-13mm from the start of the blade). One of the loops is damaged and has lost its apex. Above the loops, the socket becomes more oval (12.7mm x 14.5mm) and is marked with prominent incised grooves, with four on one side and five on the other, possibly to imitate or accommodate the binding. The blade is flame-shaped (with a length of 60.5mm and a maximum width of 22.5mm) and has some recent edge damage. The socket continues along the blade to the tip as a prominent but gradually weakening midrib. The blade rib is slightly faceted, possibly because of filing or sharpening the blade. Sharpening striations are clearly discernible on both faces, running along the blade. Blade facets (3mm wide) are evident where the blade edge survives. The break at the tip may have occurred in antiquity through use. The surface has a deep-brown patina with pale green corrosion around the areas of damage.
The lateral grooves between the loops and blade are not common features and are difficult to closely parallel.
1. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
2. Accession number: A11811
3. Needham, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Coombs, D., Cartwright, C., Pettitt, P.; 1997; An Independent Chronology for British Bronze Age Metalwork: The Results of the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Programme; Archaeological Journal 154, p. 55-107The spearhead can be paralleled with a number of examples recovered from Wales and elsewhere. A similar side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has recently been dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating. However, overall Davis (2012, 108-110) places this group within the Taunton-Penard metalworking phases.
Davis (2012) notes almost 500 Group 6 spearheads from across Britain dating to the Middle Bronze Age, which have a broad distribution. Davis' spearhead sub-types 6A, 6B and 6C are particularly prevalent across Wales, all of which have 'flame-shaped' blades. The spearhead can be paralleled with a number of similar examples in National Museum & Galleries of Wales' collections (Savory 1980, Nos. 227-230).Side-looped131322-1600-11003NMGWDavis (2012) Group 6NMWPA 2013.123.12014-12-04T10:23:29Z2023-06-21T11:09:22Z53.5PAS548036210016AB19.822.5110.717121414142425500614525500Rhondda Cynon TafRhondda Cynon TafPont-y-ClunST068051.51108015-3.355927862634547110NMGW-036E59Copper alloy10627CastIncompleteCorrodedBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleMiddleBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.123.1jpg.jpg495495images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-21T10:09:22.34Zfinds-649263649263NMGW-62E55BPILGRIM BADGEMEDIEVALLate medieval copper alloy pilgrim badge of 15th to mid 16th century date
The pilgrim badge is complete (with a length of 25.8mm and a weight of 3.0g) but the surface is heavily-worn. The open-work decoration is in cast-relief (with a thickness of 1.8mm) and depicts the annunciation, or the announcement to Mary by the Angel Gabriel that she is to become the mother of Christ. Mary is depicted on the left, seemingly kneeling at a prie-dieu with the folds of dress evident to the sides of the prie-dieu. Mary has her left arm raised to her breast and right arm on the book and with her head angled to the left, surmounted with a halo containing radiating ribs, now worn. Above the head is a dove with its head projecting downwards towards Mary. Gabriel is depicted standing opposite, with wings projecting beyond the head and shoulders (giving the badge a maximum width of 24.9mm) and is shown holding the messenger's staff in his left hand. Between the two figures is a floral or vegetal device, probably a jar of lilies, representing purity. The figures are joined by the basal ground and dove at the apex. There is an integral, circular-sectioned attachment loop (with a width of 5.4mm, a depth of 6.1mm and with a wire diameter of 0.7mm) on the rear of the lily and towards the top. Otherwise, the rear is flat and is undecorated. The original surface has been lost and is brown to bronze-coloured.
The badge can be closely paralleled with a small group of copper alloy badges recorded with PAS from Manuden in Essex[1], Ipsden in Oxfordshire[2] and Fulford in Yorkshire[3]. All four badges are likely to have had a common production site for an uncertain shrine but possibly dedicated to the Virgin. Previous records have stated that Egan has suggested that the tripartite aspect of the badge has significance and may represent the letter 'M' or 'W'.
[1] Watters,J (2012) BH-199D37 A MEDIEVAL PILGRIM BADGE Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/522050 [Accessed: 28 Nov 2013 10:07:16]
[2] Williams,D (2013) SUR-FFF175 A MEDIEVAL PILGRIM BADGE Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/556186 [Accessed: 28 Nov 2013 10:08:36]
[3] Downes,A (2010) SWYOR-7707F7 A POST MEDIEVAL PILGRIM BADGE Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/282846 [Accessed: 28 Nov 2013 10:10:32]Annunciation29361400160014NMGWNMWPA 2013.181.22014-11-14T16:31:17Z2023-06-16T13:34:10Z3PAS54662E55001B841.824.925.817148141424254921605725492SwanseaSwanseaSkettySS629051.59189924-3.99354509367586NMGW-62EB43Copper alloy10627OpenworkCompleteMEDIEVALx14221POST MEDIEVALx41047x14221Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.181.2jpg.jpg492774images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-16T12:34:11.363Zfinds-702678702678NMGW-215EBESPEARHEADBRONZE AGEBronze Age bronze socketed spearhead fragment of uncertain type, of Middle to late Bronze Age date
The spear is fragmentary, represented by the upper part only (with a surviving length of 43.4mm and a weight of 10.9g). The top of the circular socket is evident at the base of the fragment (with a diameter of 6.8mm and a depth of 19mm). The socket defines a prominent rounded midrib on the exterior (with a maximum surviving thickness of 9.0mm), which narrows gradually to the tip. The blade appears comparatively straight along the fragment, possibly suggesting a leaf-shaped blade (with a maximum surviving width of 18.3mm). A small fragment of the blade facet appears to survive above the break. The surface is heavily corroded and no sharpening striations are now evident on the corroded surface, which has a pale-green patina.
The socket present on the spearhead would suggest a form was side-looped, basal-looped or pegged but the fragmentary nature makes typological identification difficult.Fragment1313233NMGWNMWPA 2014.59.132015-02-04T12:51:55Z2023-06-01T15:33:32Z10.9PAS54D215EB001E5E6.843.3171141414274392543925WiltshireWiltshireSO489652.55933773-2.76847126263521906NMGW-216225Copper alloy10627FragmentCorrodedBRONZE AGEx13712MiddleLateBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder20145913jpg.jpg503645images/wenkedomscheit/South WestCertain12023-06-01T14:33:32.776Zfinds-703549703549NMGW-8CD44CSPEARHEADBRONZE AGELate Bronze Age socketed spearhead of Davis' (2015) Type 11A, which covers Generic pegged spearheads with flame-shaped blades, dating to the Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industry (c.1120-800 BC) (following Needham et al. 1997).
The spearhead is complete and retains the sediment in the socket (with a length of 159mm and with a weight of 144.7g, including sediment and 126.2g without). The socket is near-circular (with a diameter of 27.9mm - 28.6mm, 25.4mm internal and 110.1mm deep). There is no evidence for a lip at the mouth or decoration around the socket. The sides of the circular socket are conical, gradually converging to the tip and define a rounded midrib along the blade. Approximately midway between the mouth and the start of the blade are the sub-circular attachment holes (of 7.2mm and 7.8mm diameter), which are raised or burred on the interior of the socket. The casting seams are evident on both sides but have been neatly fettled and mostly removed but with a discernible ridge surviving. The blade is leaf-shaped and reaches its maximum width approximately one-third of the blade length (with a length of 114mm and a maximum width of 38.3mm). The blade facets are evident and mostly survive (with a length of 4mm and a thickness of 0.6mm). There is the suggestion of some striations running along the blade facets, possibly the result of sharpening. There are striations evident inside the socket (7mm from the mouth). The surface has a dark-brown patina with some areas of pale-brown and green surface loss.
The sediment was removed from the socket in the museum and contained root material but no discernible surviving wooden shaft. A void was observed immediately above the peg holes.
Spearheads of pegged type have been shown to date from Wilburton metalwork, dated from 1150BC, the majority of associated spearheads are found with Ewart Park metalwork (950 - 750BC).Pegged131333-1100-80013NMGWType 11A (Generic flame-shaped blade)NMWPA 2014.712015-02-09T15:07:48Z2023-06-01T14:48:33Z144.7PAS54D8CD44001C5F28.615917141141424255021905825502the Vale of Glamorganthe Vale of GlamorganPenllynST017951.50123654-3.4276731263454728NMGW-8CD845Copper alloy10627CastCompleteBRONZE AGEx13712LateLateBRONZE AGEx13712x13712Metal detectorReturned to finder201471jpg.jpg504313images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-06-01T13:48:33.453Zfinds-652980652980NMGW-DD3077HARNESS RINGIRON AGERoman copper alloy harness-ring probably of 1st century AD date
The harness-ring is heavily-corroded but is near-complete, with some damage to the stud (with a weight of 12.6g). The ring is circular (with an external diameter of 31.7mm, an internal diameter of 20.8mm) and also of circular section (up to 5.3mm diameter). The corrosion makes it difficult to identify wear facets on the ring but part of the ring, nearly opposite the stud is narrower than other areas (at 4.2mm). The stud is raised (7.2mm high and giving a depth of 13.0mm) with a circular-sectioned shaft (6.0mm diameter) with an expanded head, damaged around the edges (with a diameter of 10.5mm). There is no applied decoration discernible on the harness -ring. The surface is heavily corroded with only remnants of a dark-green patina.
The harness-ring can be paralleled with an example excavated from the Fortress ditch as Usk (Webster 1995, no. 8, p 40)[1] from a Pre-Flavian context.
[1] Webster J.; 1995, Cavalry Equipment and Transport Fittings in Manning, W.H.ed. Report on the Excavations at Usk 1965-76; The Roman Small Finds16213111004NMGWNMWPA 2013.170.42014-12-02T14:56:07Z2023-01-19T17:25:59Z12.6PAS547DD30700173831.71712414142425489175025489MonmouthshireMonmouthshireCaerwentST459351.63310725-2.79605823263498576NMGW-DD36F4Copper alloy10627IncompleteCorrodedIRON AGEx13992LateEarlyROMANx41218x13992Metal detectorReturned to finder2013.170.4jpg.jpg495228images/wenkedomscheit/WalesCertain12023-01-19T17:25:59.64Zfinds-705398705398NMGW-46CA91CHISELIRON AGEEarliest Iron Age bronze socketed chisel
The chisel is fragmentary, represented by the lower part of the socket and top of the blade (with a surviving length of 38.2mm and a weight (including sediment) of 10.0g) and with both breaks occurring some time ago, probably in antiquity. The socket is sub-circular at the break (11.4mm x 13.2mm) and there are no clear attachment holes at the break. The socket sides are gradually convergent to the top of the blade (with a diameter of 7.6mm x 8.7mm and with a thickness of 1.3mm). There is no evidence for the casting seams on the socket. The base of the socket is defined by a single ribbed moulding, now worn. The blade is of sub-rectangular section (with a thickness of 3.5mm at the break and 4.5mm below the socket) with straight sides diverging to the break (with a maximum surviving width of 16.8mm). The surface is pitted with a dark-green patina and with areas of surface loss.
The socketed chisel form can be paralleled with four examples in the Cardiff Hoard (Savory 1980, no. 290, p. 123) associated with metalwork of Llyn Fawr metalworking and corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 8, dated to c. 750 - 450BC. The chisel form is not a commonly recovered artefact type with only one other of similar form recorded with PAS at the time of writing.
1. Savory, H.N, 1980, A Guide to the Bronze Age Collections
2. Bales,E (2007) NMS-461265 A BRONZE AGE CHISEL Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/190259 [Accessed: 9 Jun 2014 12:21:13]161611-800-6003NMGWNMWPA 2014.1072015-02-18T10:42:49Z2022-12-14T17:22:50Z10PAS54E46CA900119738.217111141427206162058820508GloucestershireForest of DeanWoolastonSO590051.69723979-2.5946182263472578NMGW-46CFE1Copper alloy10627CastFragmentIRON AGEx13992EarlyEarlyIRON AGEx13992x13992Metal detectorReturned to finder2014107jpg.jpg505745images/wenkedomscheit/South WestCertain12022-12-14T17:22:50.361Z