linch-pin
- Museum number
- 1940,0203.1
- Description
-
Copper alloy and iron linch pin. The head is of copper alloy, and crescent-shaped. One side is plain, the other is inset with red glass to give a series of interlocking curvilinear motifs. Below the main design are two shallow circular depressions, one above the other, which appear to have been made with a drill. In the centre of one is a small pit, in the centre of the other is a knob. It seems possible that originally each held an inlay of some material held in by a pin.
The crescentic head has a rectangular sectioned projection ending in a narrow socket into which the top end of the iron shank is inserted. On each side of the rectangular projection is a circular inset, the original colour of which is uncertain. At the end of the shank, also attached by a copper alloy socket is a copper alloy shoe. Round the upper edge of this is a ridge which, in the centre of the front appears to have undergone some wear.
- Production date
- 1 - 100 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Length: 132 millimetres
-
Weight: 125 grammes
-
Thickness: 16.20 millimetres
-
Width: 60.40 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- It is not possible to tell whether the bronze fittings were cast in position, although it seems unlikely. Technically it would be more sensible to complete the work on the decorative head before fitting it to the iron linch pin.
- Location
- On display (G50/dc9)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2015-2016 24 Sep-31 Jan, London, BM, G30, 'Celts: Art and Identity'
- Acquisition notes
- Found by labourer digging clay, April 1937
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1940,0203.1
