MEDIEVAL TOY

1400

A complete cast copper alloy toy or miniature cauldron, dating to the late Medieval – post Medieval period, between AD 1400 – 1700 (length: 20mm; width at handles: 22mm; thickness: 16.5mm; weight: 11.0g).The cauldron has a rounded body of spheroid shape that curves inward at the neck before joining a slightly flared rim. Two sub-triangular lug handles are positioned opposing each other to the left and right, which are joined at the top of the rim and connected lower down to the upper part of the vessel’s body. The base of the body is flat with three integral legs supporting the body underneath. One leg is positioned directly beneath a handle and the remaining two legs spaced evenly around the body. Each leg has a foot, which in turn has a slanted but flat base. The toy cauldron is undecorated. Overall, the artefact is in a slightly worn but in a good condition with a dark green/ black patina.Similar examples are illustrated in Bailey, G, 2002, 'Detector Finds 5', page 66, figs 1 & 3.Similar examples have also been recorded on the PAS database, including an identical artefact from Knayton with Brawith, North Yorkshire (NCL-4A1286). Another example was found at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (NLM-31BCA5).