File:Post-Medieval, Bodkin (FindID 802033).jpg

Description:

An incomplete silver dress pin of bodkin type dating to the Post-Medieval period. The bodkin is sub-rectangular in both plan and section with a knop terminal to one end and a break to the other. It has been bent out of shape, presumably as a result of its deposition.

From the break, the bodkin extends with parallel sides to a narrowed rounded terminal with acorn style knop. Where the main body narrows to the terminal, a double banded collar is present. A second double banded collar is also present approximately 4.4mm from the first. The area between the two collars bears a shallowly incised triangle with median line. A third double banded collar, 5.6mm from the second, encloses a stylised four-petalled flower. A second stylised four-petalled flower enclosed by two double banded collars is present further along the bodkin. The two flowered panels flank a rectangular slot, one arm of which is broken where the object has been bent out of shape. A triple banded wavering line extends from the pouter edge of the second flowered panel to the break. This decoration is duplicated on the reverse of the object.

Dimensions:

Length: 46.9mm (bent); Width: 5.2mm; Thickness: 2.4mm; Weight: 6.4g.

Discussion:

LEIC-E2E758 notes that Margeson (1993:8) writes that these objects have previously been called 'bodkins' which is a term generally assumed to relate to needlework. The term however applies both to needlework and to head-dress or hair pins. Decorative examples such as this were commonly used as head-dress ornaments in the Low Countries during the first half of the seventeenth century. As such British finds tend to be associated with Dutch immigration and trade. The circular perforations were used to suspend drop pearls from silver wires to make them more ornate.

The form and decoration of this bodkin are similar to other recorded examples on the PAS database, dated to the seventeenth century including: 2014 T421 (YORYM-16825D), 2013 T878 (DENO-347042), 2012 T105 (NARC-3BF6A1) and 2011 T498 (DENO-7A5936).

Conclusion:

In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Author and title:

Rebecca Griffiths

FLO for North and East Yorkshire

Date:

26^th August 2016