POST MEDIEVAL BODKIN

1600

A silver post medieval bodkin. It appears to be complete but is unusually short. The bodkin is rectangular in section and plan, but tapers to a point. It has a rectangular longitudinal opening or eye. There is no evidence of any decoration on this bodkin, the surfaces are worn and scratched probably due to damage whilst in the soil. This bodkin is difficult to date due to the lack of engraving or other marks, but it is similar to other examples recorded under the Treasure Act such as one from Hessett area, Suffolk 2004 T192 (Treasure Annual Report 2004, p123, no 251). Compare also WILT-9C13B5 ( 2009 T234), SF-7B0BA7 (2009 T304), NARC-029CF5 (2011 T292). A similar object but with a smaller eye is classed as a needle and is of similar date: HAMP-57FE56 (2005 T324). It is similar in form to other bodkins that have been previously dated to the 17th century and thus declared treasure.The precious metal content of this bodkin fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act in that it is greater than 10 %, and it is likely to be more than 300 years old.