MEDIEVAL UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

1300

A fragment of decorated plate cast copper alloy. The fragment is roughly rectangular in shape, with worn, ragged edges. It measures 40.6mm by 21.87mm. One surface is engraved with a quarter of a circle, possibly representing the sun, from which emanate three 'flames': two curvilinear and one straight sided. The triangular gaps between the flames are filled with rocker-arm engraving. This motif is bounded by a curved border of a double incised line with a wavy line in between, with a further panel of incised curvilinear and rocker arm decoration outside the border. The decorated side of the fragment has a light yellowish green patina; the reverse is darker green in colour. Rocker arm decoration is typical of the 14th century; therefore it is possible that this fragment is also of that date.