File:Finger nail decorated rim sherd (FindID 481602).jpg

English: An outward flared rim from a soft handmade ceramic vessel. It is difficult to guess the original diameter due to the uneven inconsistent curvature and small size of sherd. The inner surface is worn and mostly corroded white felspar grits of 1-2mm are exposed.The lip and outside surface are better preserved and have a darkened smoked appearance.Throughout, the fabric is orangey brown and scratchable with the finger nail. In this field Gabbroic clay(from The Lizard, Cornwall) pottery like this is found but it is harder, usually reduced black and some of it is grass-marked and hence Early Medieval. This sherd has parallel, horizontal impressions which look suspiciously like chopped grass of the former type. However it would be unusual to find the grass equally orientated and also unlikely to be found impressed up to the rim; even on a platter. Furthermore, angled light shows distinct finger nail impressions. It was found that squeezing out the rim from the inside gave opportunity to use the thumb nail to make these marks. This findspot may have produced Grooved Ware. Henrietta Quinnell has identified many pieces in adjacent fields. Under binocular micoscope the surface is uneven and porous. Twisted cord decoration has been suggested for some of the impressions.