English: Description: A composite cast silver alloy bead possibly from an item of jewellery or a composite dress ornament / dress fitting. The bead is broadly cylindrical in form tapering to a blunted point at either end. It seems to be formed in two parts and be hollow, the two elements being soldered together at the mid-point with a relatively thick central ridge. Either end is decorated with a raised wire-like design consisting of a flower formed with eight radiating petals. At the centre of the design is a raised boss like knop. A large tare is present on the upper edge of the bead presumably where it attached to a loop. The damage is relatively old suggesting it occurred at time of deposition. The bead is a mid grey silver colour with an appropriately aged patina.

Dimensions: Width; 12.5mm. Diameter; 10.6mm. Weight: 0.78 grams

Discussion and Dating: The form of this bead is comparable to more ornate silver and silver-gilt early post medieval (16th or early 17th century) examples (e.g. 2006T353 and 2008T77); also see KENT-F4AC47 (2008T254) for a very close parallel. The function of this example is unknown; it is possibly a 'dangler' from a brooch or dress accessory. Other functions could include a decorative bead from the end of a rosary or belt end.

Peter Reavill

Correction 5/1/16

This fragmentary bead has now been corrctly identified as a small part of a composite post medieval silver whistle. A complete example can be seen from Shillingstone, Dorset (DOR-6E2574).The form is similar to a Bosun's whistle and they are dated to the late 16th and 17th centuries AD.

Peter Reavill