Find Spot MPM1583 - Unidentified post-medieval Object

A worn and incomplete cast copper-alloy artefact of probable post-medieval date. It is formed of a sub-triangular central element with an arm protruding from one of the corners. There is a large central piercing in the central element (Dia.: 10.1mm). Its sides are formed of two incurving arcs which continue into the protrusion. At the end of the arc the protrduing arm has a maximum width of 9.35mm. Below this it tapers to a terminal 5.4mm wide. On the reverse face of the terminal is a solid hook which curves towards the central element. It is supposed that two other arms would have protruded from the central element and that old breaks can be seen (J Watters pers. comm. 19 October 2006). The arm is decorated with moulded scrolling - expanded 'Vs' towards the terminal. Around the hole in the central element are six semi-circular groovings arranged to create a triangle around it. The lower surface is plain. The metal has corroded to a red-brown colour with some mid-light green corrosion product spread all over. Viewing the object in profile one can see that the central element was struck downwards in the past, as was the longer remnant of the broken arms. The metal and decoration suggest a post-medieval date for this artefact, although its function is uncertain. A similar object has been recorded on the PAS database - HAMP-B0FBF7.

Portable Antiquities Scheme, 2003-2015, Portable Antiquities Scheme (Index). SPM283.