VESSEL 384674

Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Medieval/ Post-Medieval (1200-1800) vessel leg from a ewer or skillet. The top of the leg is missing (old break). The surviving leg measures 82.03mm in length, 25.45mm in max.width and 15.89mm in max.thickness. It weighs 145.73g. The leg is triangular in section with a slight hollowing running the length of the reverse and to the front a moulded central rib. At the break the leg measures 23.49x15.79mm. This tapers to 18.87x13.28mm just above a transverse rib which delineates the junction between leg and foot. Beneath, the central ridge continues to the base of the foot, expanding slightly horizontally towards the base, and with an additional moulding either side, to create a foot or claw/paw shaped foot. At the toes the measurements are 25.56x14.91mm. The exterior surface of the object has traces of blackening that are probably the result of the vessel's usage in cooking over an open fire. It would probably have originally been one of three legs forming a tripod to support the vessel over a fire. Crudely made cast copper alloy vessels were widely used from c.1200-1800 for serving and cooking. Butler and Green (2003; 15) state ‘there is evidence that (cast copper alloy) metal cooking vessels became increasingly common during the 13th and 14th centuries’. While certain specialist cast copper alloy vessels such as skillets remained in use later ‘bronze cauldrons in general seem to have been superseded in the early years of the 18th century when their place was taken by cast-iron vessels which were cheaper to make and more durable to use.’ (ibid: 22).  

Date: 1200 - 1800

Object type: VESSEL

Last import: August 15, 2017