MEDIEVAL WEIGHT

Incomplete cast lead pendent weight, circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, with a central pellet on the upper face, surrounded by ten radiating lines that all curve slightly in the same direction, giving the impression of a wheel or a whorl. There is a semi-circular projection, recessed from one edge of the weight, which has a circular perforation within it, so that the weight could have been suspended from a steelyard. At the opposite end to the suspension loop, at the back of the weight, there are two raised triangular projections with alternating inverted triangular recesses, which might represent a stamp, but it is now incomplete. A portion of lead might also have been taken off the back just to lighten the weight. The weight of 8.25 g is equivalent to about a quarter of a troy ounce, but as it is incomplete, it is difficult to say what it might have been weighed against.Bailey (2011) illustrates a similar lead trade weight, with a central pellet and radiate lines, on page 117, Fig.56, which is dated from the Medieval period.Biggs & Withers (2000) illustrate a similar but larger example with curved spokes on page 22, No.27, which is dated from the Medieval period, but s