Period: 19^th century. Date of Discovery: 15/2/12 Circumstances of discovery: whilst metal detecting Description: composite, open-work, heavily gilded silver or gold fitting in lozenge shaped form. The object is made of four 'sides' soldered together to form a lozenge shape. Two of the opposing corners have been soldered onto a central bar, rectangular in cross-section, the broad sides used for the upper and underside of the fitting. The bar dips downwards in the centre. One of the corners has a loop that has been soldered on, flush with the central bar. The opposite corner that was soldered onto the bar has now broken, with only one end of the one of the four sides attached to the bar. Each 'side' is made of two wires, circular in cross-section, which run parallel to each other until they spilt to create a knot at the centre of a 'Square/ Reef' type. A knop has been soldered onto each corner. At the centre of the fitting is a lozenge shaped open setting. The edges of the setting are bent at a right angle, to create a flat border for a base and raised sides and at the at the top of each corner is a lip that would have fixed a central piece, possibly a gem now missing, in place. On the reverse is an oval shaped plate, soldered on the dip of the central bar and it slightly overlaps the Square/Reef knot design of the wires, but does not overlap the corners of the bezel at the front.

Dimensions:

Length: 19.46 mm

Width: 17.24 mm

Thickness: 3.36mm

Weight: 1.45g

Discussion:

Judy Rudoe believes that this object is much more likely to be 19^th century, probably part of an earring or drop from a brooch.

The find dates to later than 1712 and as such falls outside the provisions of the Treasure Act 1996.

Janina Parol

Assistant Treasure Registrar

The BritishMuseum