MEDIEVAL SPUR

1300

A cast copper alloy star rowel with five ovoid-section points, dating to either the Medieval or Post Medieval periods (c. 14th-c. 17th century AD). The star rowel consists of a five pointed star, with arms that have been decorated crudely with small incised dashes running horizontally down the length of each arm from the circular centre hole to end point. There are traces of radiating linear engraving between the arms. Both types of engraved decoration are visible clearly on both sides of the spur and the object is identical on both faces. The spur is dark jade green in colour; evidence of iron corrosion can be seen on one side of the spur, which suggests that it was attached to a spur component made of iron. The spur measures 43.03 mm in diameter, 3.28 mm thick, has a central hole with a diameter of approximately 5.07 mm and weighs 11.6 grams.Because of their ubiquitous usage during the Medieval and Post Medieval periods, star rowels are difficult to date specifically if found outside of archaeologically stratified context. For further examples of similar star rowels, cf. Read 2001, Fig 42, Nos. 505-510.