File:Bodkin (profile) (FindID 505571).jpg

English: Bent silver bodkin, with a collared tear-shaped terminal, which contains a circular perforation. About 8 mm along the bodkin from the pierced circle and collar, there is a rectangular eye slot. The rectangular slot is 10 mm long and 7 mm beyond the end of slot, there is an incised letter or mark of a squared-off 'C'. On the opposite end the bodkin is bent into a hook shape and the bodkin has been bent in three places along its length, including half way along the rectangular hole, where it is bent into a right angle, presumably since it was lost in the ground. These bodkins were used as hair pins to decorate the hair, and the circular perforations were used to suspend drop pearls from silver wires to make them more ornate. Bailey (1997) illustrates a similar example on page 77, No.13, which is dated to 1670. Another example which has a similar terminal is illustrated in the Treasure Annual Report 2004, on page 286, Fig.244, No.244, (2004 T206) which is dated from the 17th century.