A small copper-alloy accessory or possibly a jewellery component. It is formed from two decorated sheet metal parts that form a flat-backed, loosely gourd-shaped item. The front is oval and bulbous at the lower end, with a broad-necked terminal above. Two D-shaped holes at each end of the item are most likely to accommodate a cord or chain. Probably a drawstring toggle or cord lock and may have been used on bags, pouches, purses, etc'. Traces of gilt survive within the decoration.
]]>
Belt or Strap Ring
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/belt-or-strap-ring-57780.html
Mon, 01 Jan 2024 15:39:04 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
A cast copper-alloy ring with a flat rectangular cross-section, bevelled edges and file-marks on both faces. Most rings of this type are believed to have been used to suspend items from waist belts or harness straps, but others furnished the frames of circular buckles.
For a more detailed discussion on rings of this type, see UKDFD 8331.
]]>
Silver Collar
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/silver-collar-57731.html
Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:58:24 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
A silver collar with a cusped and pierced upper edge, decorated with engraved ivy leaves on a wriggle work background. It bears the Birmingham Assay Office hallmark for 1895 and a mostly illegible maker's mark. Most likely from a parasol handle, walking cane, or similar dress accessory.
]]>
Bellows Nozzle
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/bellows-nozzle-57692.html
Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:53:08 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
An air nozzle from a pair of bellows. The nozzle is manufactured from pressed sheet metal, and then formed into a tapering decorative shape with soldered longitudinal seam. There are three holes equally spaced apart at the cupped attachment end, and an incomplete terminal end opposite.
]]>
Knob or Pommel
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/knob-or-pommel-57206.html
Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:35:13 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
An unusual cast lead or lead-alloy knob or pommel dating to the post-medieval period. The object is sub-spherical in form and has been cast (solid?) in two halves, with a prominent circumferential ridge and multiple rows of raised irregular knops to each side. At the base is a small hole for attachment, and projecting each side of this are short pointed leaves. The design appears to represent a stylised interpretation of a nut, or possibly a pineapple, a prized exotic fruit of the period.
A short cast copper-alloy spike for use in the construction of wooden ships. The spike, or nail, is circular in cross-section with a flared head and a flattened terminal end. The head is stamped with a broad arrow mark indicating that payment of the item was charged to the crown, in this case for use by The Royal Navy.
The object was interestingly found close to the historic Portsmouth Docks.
The broad arrow was used in England (and later Britain), apparently from the early 14th century, and more widely from the 16th century, to mark objects purchased from the monarch's money, or to indicate government property. It became particularly associated with the Office or Board of Ordnance, the principal duty of which was to supply guns, ammunition, stores and equipment to the King's Navy. A proclamation issued by Charles II in 1661 ran:
'And His Majesty doth further command, That on all other Stores, Where it may be done without prejudice to the said Stores, or Charge to His Majesty, as Nails, Spikes, and other the like Stores, that the broad Arrow be put on some part of the same, whether by Stamp, Brand, or other way, as shall be particularly directed by the principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesties Navy, to whom the care thereof is committed '.
]]>
Spring Stud (Solitaire)
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/spring-stud-solitaire-56813.html
Fri, 06 May 2022 11:49:18 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
A spring stud or solitaire comprising a copper-alloy backplate and an engraved silver front with applied decoration consisting of a central equal-armed, or Maltese Cross surrounded by alternating acorns and pellets, probably representing berries.
The present item is one element of a two-part stud. Solitaires, also referred to as bachelors buttons, as they required no sewing, were patented in 1872 by George West as "Fasteners For Collars And Cuffs". The principle of the mechanism is two winged projections, which, when depressed, release their hold on a central shank so that the front and back are completely separate and can be easily put through various thicknesses of shirt and collar before being snapped firmly together.
]]>
Pendant Sundial
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/miscellaneous/pendant-sundial-56559.html
Tue, 04 Jan 2022 15:52:57 GMTMiscellaneous
Description:
A gilded copper-alloy pendant sundial. Comprising a deep oval frame with a circular recess to accommodate the dial plate and triangular gnomon. It has manually engraved Roman numerals around the edge of the recess. The outside edge of the frame is decorated with oblique dashes in groups of three, at the top is what remains of a suspension loop, below which is evidence of a hinge mechanism, a diametrically opposed closure stud at the base of the frame suggests that the pendant had a face cover and similar evidence on the back of the frame would suggest that there was also a backplate. A substantial amount of the gilt finish survives.