File:Unidentified Object; Medieval to Post Medieval. (FindID 399887).jpg

English: A cast copper alloy unidentified object, but probably a balance arm. The object is a circular sectioned bar which is angled at c. 45°, but this is probably due to damage rather than intention. At the mind point and at each terminal there is a rectangular boss decorated with low-relief ring and dot designs. One terminal then has a short, circular sectioned, narrowed projection protruding from the boss. The terminal of this projection is possibly broken. The opposite boss has a broken surface suggesting there was a projection on this boss as well. The surface of the object has a well enveloped green/grey patina. There are patches of corrosion on the surface. The object is 102.37mm long, 6.61mm wide at a boss and weighs 5.9g.

The function of the object is not known. Other Finds Liaison Officers have suggested a penannular brooch, but no curvature is evidenced in the length of the object. Another suggestion is a purse bar, but it does not seem sturdy enough for this function. Finds Liaison Officers Laura Burnett and Amy Cooper have both suggested a balance arm; a similar example is recorded in Biddle, M. 1990 Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester Clarendon Press, Oxford No.3211 dated to the mid 13th century. The decoration and style is very similar, so suggests the recorded example is of a similar date and possibly similar function.