Treasure Annual Report 1998-1999 - Portable Antiquities Scheme

Circumstances of discovery: While searching with a
metal-detector.
Description: The rings are somewhat crushed and
distorted (and one is slightly split), thus difficult to
measure accurately. Ring (a) (split) – width of band 14
mm. Ring (b) – width of band 13 mm. The maximum
thickness at the flattened edges is 1 mm; the diameter
is not measurable but should not exceed 32 mm.
The two linked rings are of ribbon section, each
having one end tapering to a rectangular-sectioned
hook to pass through a circular perforation in the
other end, also tapered. The edges are flattened. Ring
(a) has a small split; (b) has some abrasion, probably
recent. Size and pairing suggests that these might
have been ear ornaments. Combined weight: 8.61g.
The rings can be accommodated within a Middle
Bronze Age tradition of gold working with good
analogues in France which have been dated to about
1500–1300 BC. The scientific analysis accords well
with such a date.
Note: Approximately 85 per cent for gold. See
Treasure Annual Report 1997–98, no. 15.
Disposition: Littlehampton Museum
Valuation: £800
(fig.3) Binstead
G VARNDELL
4 Haughton, Nottinghamshire: Middle Bronze Age
gold ring
Date: About 1300–1100 BC
Treasure Annual Report 1998 - 1999 11
Prehistoric Artefacts
Finder: Mr Robert Johnson
Date of discovery: May 1998
Circumstances of discovery: While searching with a
metal-detector.
Description: Three hollow-backed penannular rings
set side by side, creating three bulbous ribs. Maximum
diameter: 18 mm; width: 10 mm; weight: 7.1g.
Note: Not analysed. See Treasure Annual Report
1997–98, no. 14.
Disposition: Found not to be Treasure; returned to
finder.
M J DOLBY
5 Lower Langford, Somerset: Middle Bronze Age
gold penannular ring
(Fig. 5)
Date: About 1300–1100 BC
Finder: Mr Ted Chaffey
Date of discovery: Early–mid 1998
Circumstances of discovery: While searching with a
metal-detector.
Description: The object is in fact two penannular
rings fused or soldered together side by side. Each
ring is near circular in cross-section. Careful
inspection of the surface reveals folds and crimps in
the gold and traces of copper-alloy corrosion at
fissures. These indicate that the rings are of gold foil
covering presumed base-metal cores. The object
belongs to an established type of Bronze Age
ornament known as ‘composite rings’.
Dimensions: Maximum diameter: 15 mm; weight: 5.2g.
Note: Approximately 81 per cent for gold.
Disposition: Awaiting valuation; North Somerset
Museums Service hopes to acquire.
S P NEEDHAM
6 Braishfield, Hampshire: Middle Bronze Age gold ring
(Fig. 6)
Date: About 1300–1100 BC
Finder: Mr D Palmer