POST MEDIEVAL BOX

1700

A probable Post Medieval (18th to 19th century) lead box/vessel: The box is composed of one rectangular sheet of lead which is shaped to form the four sides of a box. The seam, where the two terminals meet, is positioned off-centre of a face. The upper edge of the box is possibly torn as it is ragged. The sides of the box are slightly crumpled and are slightly collapsing inwards. The base of the box is a rectangular sheet of lead whose edges are folded upwards around the wall on the exterior. The exterior surface of the base has two bulbous feet, one in each corner, and two of the feet are missing. The surface of the box has a mottled light grey and cream colour surface which is partially oxidised. The box measures 117.68mm long, 93.13mm wide, 61.82mm tall and weighs 552g.The container was found with two corroded iron nails within it and eight fragments of burnt bone, none of which are identifiable.The box is probably dated to the Post Medieval date based on the condition of the box. Other lead boxes have been recorded on the PAS database, for example NMGW-A87FE4, which are neater and longer and it has been suggested these may be home made tobacco boxes, or they are designed to resemble miniature coffins, which the contents may suggest is the case, but the shape and style does not.