File:Medieval ewer or skillet (FindID 590001).jpg

English: An incomplete copper alloy Medieval/ Post-Medieval (1200-1800) vessel leg from a ewer or skillet, broken just above the horizontal rib at the ankle (old break). The surviving leg measures 32.94mm in length, 26.66mm in max.width (at the base) and 15.96mm in max.thickness. It weighs 51.90g.

The leg is triangular in section at the break (18.32x10.60mm) and D-shaped in section at the ankle-rib (15.39x21.30x7.77mm). Below five moulded toes extend to the base, which is the widest point. One of the outer toes is mostly missing through old damage. The base measures 26.66x15.59mm.

The exterior surface of the object has traces of blackening that are probably the result of the vessel's usage in cooking over an open fire. It would probably have originally been one of three legs forming a tripod to support the vessel over a fire. Otherwise much of the original patina is lost.

Crudely made cast copper alloy vessels were widely used from c.1200-1800 for serving and cooking. Butler and Green (2003; 15) state 'there is evidence that (cast copper alloy) metal cooking vessels became increasingly common during the 13th and 14th centuries'. While certain specialist cast copper alloy vessels such as skillets remained in use later 'bronze cauldrons in general seem to have been superseded in the early years of the 18th century when their place was taken by cast-iron vessels which were cheaper to make and more durable to use.' (ibid: 22).