UNKNOWN INGOT

-1000

Four cast copper alloy ingots of unknown date. The ingots are all similar in form being broadly sub-rectangular in plan and faceted; each ingot has a different number of sides but all seem to be deliberately hammered or cast. The long sides of each ingot taper and expand forming a number of pre-defined smaller ingots; in shape they are similar to a string of beads or string of sausages. The space between each ingot seems to have a square shaped cross section, suggesting that each miniature ingot was of a predesigned functional size. Each ingot is a mid brown green colour with an even, but abraded patina. The patina would suggest a later prehistoric (Late Bronze Age) or early Roman date (100 BC – 200 AD), however it is possible that they date from almost any archaeological period before the early modern period (1650 AD)A direct parallel has not been found – images have been sent to Dr Kevin Leahy (NAF: metalworking) and he has suggested that because these ingots were found in a similar area to record ( ) they may be of an early medieval date.The ingots measures1. 62.7mm length, 5.3mm width is 5.3mm thick and weighs 7.62 grams 2. 45.2mm length, 4.8mm width is 4.8mm thick and weighs 5.66 grams 3. 37.9mm length, 7.2mm width is 6.5mm thick and weighs 6.84 grams 4. 29.3mm length, 5.9mm width is 5.1mm thick and weighs 3.34 grams