File:Post medieval, Complete bodkin or dress pin (FindID 635678).jpg

English: A complete, but bent, silver bodkin or dress-pin, of Post medieval dating (AD 1500 to AD 1650).

The bodking exhibits an acute 25 degree bend, located around the mid point of the bodkin, resulting in it being folded almost in half. The bodkin has a rectangular sectioned shaft, with bevelled (slightly facetted) edges on both sides. The shaft tapers to a blunt tip. The head of the bodkin has a rounded tip with a small bowl / ear scoop terminal. Below the ear scoop is a sub triangular panel, with a single vertical incised line and a single pierced hole (diameter: 2.0 mm). This decoration is echoed (exactly the same) on the reverse face. Below the hole, the shaft curves inward for a short period, with a horizontal collar as decoration across it. Beneath this, the bodkin returns to a rectangular shape, and then gradually tapers down to a blunt point. The upper shaft of the bodkin is rectangular in shape, with two incised initials on the reverse, 'IW'. Beneath these initials is a rectangular slot (11.1 mm in length, 1.4 mm wide).

It measures 79.7 mm in length (folded), a maximum width of 4.3 mm and is 2.8 mm thick. It weighs 9.2 g

Large numbers of these have been reported through the Treasure Act (1996) all being dated period AD 1500 - AD1650 (for examples see Treasure Annual Report 2005/6; pages 135-137 cat no's: 575-602). A complete example similar to this can be seen from Buckingham, Buckinghamshire; 2006-T462 (ibid 135 ref 575). There is some debate over function with some being suggested as head dress pins or dress-pins whilst others associated with needlework and lace making. The examples of bodkins with ear-scoops are one of the most common sub-types.

The artefact (bodkin) contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.