TAP 382491

Description: A corroded and slightly damaged cast copper-alloy barrel tap spout of post-medieval date (c. 16/17th century). The tap has a faceted collar that would have taken the handle (now missing).  The collar is octagonal in cross-section.  The spout is curved downwards gradually and has a cross-section that is square with rounded corners. The tip is slightly abraded. At the top is a flange that rises upwards slightly. The stem has a circular cross-section, and tapers towards the tip, which is broken; losses extend up the stem on one side in particular.  A tap of probable contemporary date can be found illustrated in Bailey (1995, 62; ref. 16); a similar tap found in Exeter was dated to c. 1500 (Allan 1984, 344; ref. 180).  Where it survives, this artefact has a brown/green patina, with many corroded patches of greener hue.

Date: 1500 - 1700

Object type: TAP

Last import: August 15, 2017