Metal Detecting - Miscellany

Crotal/Rumbler Animal Bell, 17th C. This handsome little bell was probably from a sheep or horse harness, and was found on Dark Lane in the vicinity of Netherways. Made from a heavy copper alloy with an iron ball inside, there is some lovely scale decoration on the outside of the lower half. Note how the upper half has two holes punched into it, presumably after the loop on the top was broken off to allow it's continued use. (Thanks to Dorset Museum for their help with identification)

Musket ball This musket ball was recovered from a hedge bank in Lower Belchalwell. As is obvious from it's distorted shape, it has been fired from a gun, though it's original cast was not of a great quality either! Judging by the corrosion of the lead, compared to that of fragments from the church presumably originating from it's last major renovation, it must be approx 200 years old or more. It is from a 24 bore weapon, a bore commonly used for small game shooting (the bore of a smooth bore firearm is the number of round lead balls, each the size of the diameter of the bore, that together weigh one pound). The ball is 14 mm or 9/16 inch in diameter, slightly smaller than 24 bore to accomodate the less accurately made firearms of the time.

Metal working waste? Whilst there are records of a forge in Belchalwell Street, this piece of copper based metal, thought probably to be waste from a metal working enterprise, was found in Lower Belchalwell, in isolation from any other finds. It is approx 35 mm x 6mm (1 1/2 inches x 1/4 inch), and deep corrosion shows it's considerable but unknown age.

(Thanks to Dorset Museum for their help with identification)

19th Century 8 ounce weight Found in Belchalwell Street, this weight is of a high quality (note the proof marks), and was probably used in a bakery or such like business where accuracy was important, and prior to the standards being introduced, somewhat eratic, often depending on the honesty of the shopkeeper! On the reverse side a small depression is partly filled with lead - this depression was deliberately left when the weight was cast to allow for 'topping up' of the weight with the lead in order to ensure exactness. This standard was in operation until the late 19th century, so exact dating is difficult. Markings on the weight A crown with the letter G below - standing for the reign of George VI. The date 1826 with a mark between the 18 and 26 - date and ewer or laverpott. Quarter shield with a cross in the upper left quadrant - being the Sword of St Paul. The letter A - being Avoirdupois.

Arrow head This extremely corroded arrow head was almost discarded as 'yet another piece of junk', but on closer inspection and gentle cleaning (and a bit of 'why was this there when there was nothing else to be found'), this somewhat fragile lump was revealed as an arrowhead. The date is unknown, but from the context (the Bell Hill Plateau, well away from any remotely modern settlements) and shape it was probably a hunting arrow, possibly of considerable age (Length 36mm). Any comments or info from arrow head experts appreciated!

Horseshoes Detecting in the vale in the fields around the village has thrown up countless horseshoes, often broken. Whilst most are 'modern' (19th century or later), a very few appear to date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The odd horseshoe turns up now and again!