File:Copper alloy handle from a candleholder from above (FindID 88096).jpg

English: Complete, cast copper alloy handle from a post medieval candlestick holder. This highly decorative object is the hoop and thumb rest of a handle, which has become separated from the base of a candleholder. The hoop takes the form of an almost vertical stem, that is subrectangular in section, that ends in a barrel shaped terminal. The terminal is decorated to either flat end with circular indentations that form a four-petalled flower around a central circular indent. The opposite end of the stalk has an integrally moulded subsquare collar, once decorated but now worn. Extending from the collar are two divergent fronds that form a broad, curving V shape. One frond extends horizontally from the stalk and curves down, the other extends vertically and curves back on its self. Both fronds are moulded with a raised border. The upper frond has a series of diagonal incised lines to either edge of the upper surface, whilst the bottom frond has a more realistic moulded foliate design to the under surface.

The upper frond and the terminal on the shaft ‘support’ the integrally cast thumb rest plate, which is flat and suboval in plan and slightly dished. The top frond diverges into a moulded feature that abuts the rest plate that is shaped like a fish tail and decorated with vertically grooved lines. The upper face of the rest is decorated with moulded, semicircular scales or petals. Each scale or petal is decorated with a raised moulded vertical stalk that terminates in a raised, indented dot.

Emerging from between the V shaped frond is a three-dimensional figure of a bird, probably a swan. Only the chest, neck and head are represented. The neck of the bird extends up for a short way and then curves downwards, resting upon the chest. The head then extends horizontally away, with the beak taking a light upturn. The head of the bird has an incised lenticular eye to either side, with a central incised dot beneath a raised brow ridge. One eye is obscured by corrosion product. The mouth is closed, with an incised line to divide the upper and lower beak. There is a raised ridge across the beak where it meets the brow of the head. Where the head extends from the neck is a moulded ‘ruff’ with incised vertical lines. The body and neck of the bird are decorated with pairs of incised dashes to represent feathers. At the bottom of the bird’s chest, where it emerges from the lower frond, is a wedge shaped nick where the handle was joined to the main body of the holder.

The object is 63.42mm long and 8.06mm wide. The thumb rest is 26.58mm long, 21.96mm wide and 3.2mm thick. The object weighs 41.95g. The object survives in relatively good condition with a mid green patina with some brighter green areas where it has begun to corrode. The side of the head and underneath of the beak are slightly more corroded with orangey brown corrosion product clearly visible. The handle is probably post medieval in date, c.1500-1800.