Find Spot record 15697 - Skillet Handle from Malpas Area

<1> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, HESH-A63178 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

A near complete cast copper alloy handle from a copper alloy vessel, probably a skillet, of later medieval or early post medieval date (1300 - 1600).

The handle is incomplete being broken at one edge. It is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with a slightly tapering section. In profile it is slightly curved, and it is broadly D shaped in cross section. The lobed terminal of the handle has a small, stepped projecting lip - possibly remnants of the casting process. The outer edge / upper part of the handle is decorated with a series of heavily worn ring and dot motifs (a small hollow within two concentric circles); these (four) are evenly spaced along the length of the handle. The two long edges are also decorated with a diagonal raised cast line; this survives better along one of the edges. These ribs are both decorative and functional, probably aiding grip when handles with a damp cloth (due to the heat transfer up the handle during use). The handle is a mid-green colour with an even patina. The break is also patinated suggesting that the break occurred in antiquity. The patina has also been abraded in several places, probably through movement in the soil. This movement has also damaged the edges of the handle producing an asymmetrical shape. In the areas where abrasion has occurred a light green active powdery corrosion is present. The underside of the handle has several small hollows and holes; these are likely due to the casting process. Similar examples of handles from copper alloy vessels have been dated to the later medieval period (1300 - 1500).

The handle measures 121.4mm in length, has a maximum width of 32.1mm (minimum 19.6mm), a maximum thickness of 10.4mm (minimum 8.5mm) and it weighs 180.81 grams.

<2> The British Museum, Portable Antiquities Scheme Online Database, HESH-A63178 (Web Site). SCH5176.