File:Post-medieval bodkin (plan) (FindID 184205).jpg

English: Silver bodkin, with a round knop mounted above a semi-circular terminal, which contains a circular perforation. About 10 mm along the bodkin from the pierced circle, there is a rectangular eye slot. Below this slot, one side of the bodkin is stamped with a maker's mark in the form of a pomegranate or thistle within a crescent moon. On the opposite side are a series of punched dots (pointille) in the form of the letters 'A' and 'H' (initials), followed by a cross, and the date 1672. 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 287, Fig.250.2, No.250, (2004 T381) which is dated to the 17th century. Report on Post-Medieval silver dress pin from Phillack, Cornwall, 2007 T222 "Silver dress pin, round knop, semi-circular terminal, round hole and longitudinal opening. Initials on one side dot punched to form A and H with a cross and date 1672. On the other side of the shaft, a maker's mark, perhaps a pomegranate or a thistle with a crescent. Rare dated example of a common late 17th Century type usually found in East Anglia or South East rather than Cornwall. As such, due to its age and precious metal content, this object qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996."

Anna Tyacke and Dr Dora Thornton, Curator of Renaissance Collections The British Museum