PAS Finds: week ended 19 November 2021

November 26, 2021December 3, 2021 Peter

PAS Finds: week ended 19 November 2021

My selection of the finds recorded at the PAS for the week ended 19 November 2021. There were 290 finds recorded in this week. Quite a few interesting finds recorded this week.

Featured Find

Pilgrim badge of Mary

Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme CC By 2.0

Object type: Pilgrim Badge

Period: Medieval

Primary material: Lead alloy

Date found: 16/11/2021

Location: Southwark, London

A Medieval lead alloy pilgrim badge dating from AD 1400-1550. The badge has a crown with a heart pierced by an arrow below and possibly flames above. Two sleeved arms from the ends of a crown gives the badge the form of the letter “M”. This imagery is associated with the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is suggested that Flames crown Mary’s heart because her heart was and is on fire with love. The pierced heart is from the Gospel of Luke “And your heart a sword shall pierce.”

Devotion to the Heart of Mary began in the Middle Ages with Anselm of Canterbury and became increasingly important in the Catholic church from the early 15th Century.

Selection of other finds

Photo: Surrey County Council CC BY SA2.0

Roman phallic pendant

A Roman copper alloy phallic pendant dating to the period c. AD 120 – 300. The phallus was considered a powerful symbol of protection in the Roman Empire and was popular with Roman soldiers.

Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme CC By 2.0

Quarter stater of the Catuvellauni

A gold quarter stater of the Catuvellauni, struck by Addedomaros, c.45-25 BC. This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance.

Photo: Northamptonshire County Council CC By SA2.0

Groat of Richard III

A Groat of Richard III. Boar’s head initial mark, London mint. The groat is in very good condition, despite missing a portion of its outer flan and has been designated a Find of Note: County importance.

Photo: Kent County Council CC By 2.0

Roman key handle in form of a lion

A Roman key handle in the form of a lion, lying on all fours and grasping the head of it’s prey. It has been designated as a Find of Note.

Photo: Northamptonshire County Council CC By SA2.0

Pipe Tamper of St George and dragon

An incomplete copper alloy pipe tamper dating to AD 1650-1800 depicting St George slaying the dragon. Beneath the dragon there is a circular collar below which is a break, but which would have formed the top of the shaft of the tamper.

Photo: Surrey County Council CC BY SA2.0

Roman brooch of a fish

A Roman enamelled brooch in the form of a fish, often used as a fertility symbol.