Late medieval cast copper-alloy decorative vessel spout in the form of a dog's head, c. 15th Century AD, from Wickham, Hampshire. The front section of the spout is cast in the form of an animal's head, probably a dog, with the circular spout extending f

Late medieval cast copper-alloy decorative vessel spout in the form of a dog's head, c. 15th Century AD, from Wickham, Hampshire. The front section of the spout is cast in the form of an animal's head, probably a dog, with the circular spout extending from its open mouth. The dog's head is quite crudely cast with moulded ears and lozenge-shaped incised lines to represent the eyes and a single incised line following the upper edge of the eye above each eye to represent the eye brows. The cheeks and muzzle of the animal are also moulded but with less definition. There is a row of stamped triangles extending across the top of the head and down the sides behind the eyes. The top of the head forms a rounded ridge which extends down the neck of the animal and into the shaft at the back of the spout. There is a series of incised lateral lines along this ridge across the top of the animal's head. The shaft at the back of the spout would have been hexagonal in section with the circular opening which continues through to the opening at the mouth of the object. However, the object appears to have been mis-cast as the circular aperture is located off centre. This has resulted in the metal being very thick on one side and entirely missing on the other leaving a large opening along the length of the shaft of spout and the head of the animal terminating at the animal's cheek. Dark patina.

Vessel spout in the form of a dog's head

Late medieval, 15th century AD

Found with a metal detector at Wickham, Hampshire

A cast copper-alloy spout in the form of a dog's head. When in use the water or wine would have poured out of the dog's mouth. Vessel spouts of this form are not uncommon, perhaps appealing to medieval dog-lovers. A number are shown attached to metal vessels in illustrations from the period. Others may have been used as pourers for leather bottles.

This spout is unusual as it appears to have been mis-cast when it was made. This has resulted in the metal being very thick on one side and entirely missing on the other leaving a large opening along the length of the spout terminating at the animal's cheek. Perhaps this explains why it was discarded, although one might have expected the metal to be recycled.

Portable Antiquities Scheme find number HAMP-7EA363.

Late medieval cast copper-alloy decorative vessel spout in the form of a dog's head, c. 15th Century AD, from Wickham, Hampshire. The front section of the spout is cast in the form of an animal's head, probably a dog, with the circular spout extending f