Copper alloy pin with gilt copper alloy head in the form of a draped and knotted scarf. The head, cast separately, is fixed to the shaft with lead-tin solder, a rather weak attachment that is strengthened by a small copper alloy loop passing from the ba

Copper alloy pin with gilt copper alloy head in the form of a draped and knotted scarf. The head, cast separately, is fixed to the shaft with lead-tin solder, a rather weak attachment that is strengthened by a small copper alloy loop passing from the back of the lower part of the head around the shaft. This prevents the head from being pushed upwards. The top of the head is ornamented with a fine engraved floral design. Probably of early 17th century date and residual in a 19th to 20th century soil layer. From context 17, SBS 83, St Bartholomew's School, Saxon Road, Winchester.

Gilded copper-alloy pin

Post-medieval, probably of early 17th century date

Found during excavations by Winchester Museums Service Archaeology Section at St Bartholomew's School, Saxon Road, Winchester, Hampshire in 1983

The pin is rather fancy, its gilded head in the shape of a draped and knotted scarf decorated with floral designs, and it must have been of some value. Dating to the early 17th century, it perhaps belonged to someone who lived in the fine townhouse that was built on the site of Hyde Abbey, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the late 1530s.

Copper alloy pin with gilt copper alloy head in the form of a draped and knotted scarf. The head, cast separately, is fixed to the shaft with lead-tin solder, a rather weak attachment that is strengthened by a small copper alloy loop passing from the ba