The main object here is the Viking Sword from a child's grave in Balnakeil, Durness, on the North coast of Scotland made by Tim Noyes. However, the remains of a scabbard were present too and replicated here. The last 20cm or so was missing as it protruded from the now exposed grave. The scabbard is made of oak lathes - one side pocketed and the second side glued over the blade, then bound with linen and finally a spiral wound linen taped glued over that. There was no evidence of any form of hanger or baldric. The scabbard has a number of parallels - Sutton Hoo for example and a fresco from the Oratory of St. Benedict in Rome. For such a fine example of a sword, sadly the hilt was seemingly wrapped in nothing more elegant than string. The scabbard is waterproof and entirely organic in its component parts and can be slung with a knotted leather baldric. The sword is fairly short and was broken in the scabbard with the lowest piece missing - about 600mm overall length.
A 70kg block of Bath Stone replicating the 'Great Beast' headstone found in St. Paul's churchyard in 1852 from London. Here it is at the stage where it's little incomplete but still showing the Ringerike style of art that the Vikings introduced to Britain in the 980's. The original was painted quite gaudily in red ocher and black with a runic inscription down one side.
For artistic sake, the same stone as previous but back lit giving better definition to the piece.
I suspect that the original was probably carved from a re-used piece of Roman work. The original stone was quarried from Portland and moved to London. Whilst it is not entirely unlikely that stone of this quality was transported by the Anglo-Saxons, the easiest source in London were stones already moved there by the long departed Romans.
Here you can see me carving (about to at any rate), the stone in the Museum of London. They have their own example which school children have done rubbings from.
A good close up of the head of the 'Great Beast.' Which to my mind is in fact a stag and poetically placed in a foggy morning with wreaths of mist and vapour from his breath winding around him...the natural stone was just another surface to paint for the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, so losing the subtle feel that we tend to view.
A test piece of York stone with a Viking style cross. Carving this is far more troublesome than Portland Stone and cutting any detail into the stone is very tricky by comparison.
This a Sprang hairnet in wool dyed with woad of a mid Roman date as found in Denmark. Sprang is an elastic hand 'knotted' type of fabric that can be turned into hair nets like this or mittens and stockings. The hair net gathers up the hair to protect it from everyday cooking fire smoke and dust.
A simple Viking style padlock and key. The key slides in over a spring loaded tongue which allows the hasp to be withdrawn.
In this view you can see the hasp tapering into the spring catch element and how the opposite end of the hasp locates in the narrower end of the lock. The lock is assembled with long rivets going from one end of the lock to the other. About 75mm overall length.
A copy of a find from Later Saxon Hamwic (Southampton) in bronze. The cruciform shape of this brooch is probably purely for design sake and nothing specifically religious. The original find had been converted into a pendant - here it is a brooch again. About 50mm long.
Three Later Saxon strap ends in bronze demonstrating the liking of the Saxons for the 'Winchester' art style and dated to around mid 10th century. The top two examples are from Ixworth in Suffolk with the lower from Winchester. The largest strap end is 56mm long.
The famous Saxon Winchester Strap End in bronze. 10th century. The original had four rivets to anchor it. (Dear viewer, this is all I have in reference to my original carving and has suffered somewhat in the hands of the caster who added all the holes that are precisely sized unlike the original...) 69mm long.
An Anglo-Saxon wax tablet in oak and beeswax with a bronze stylus copied from Whitby. The tablet is about 150mm high.
The outer cover of the Wax Tablet showing the thonged hinge and the stylus. It would have only really been used for notes to be then copied onto something more permanent. The stylus can erase the text with the flattened end, but the best results can be had by warming the wax or even heating the end of the stylus and using that to erase the inscription. The Romans used wax tablets much like this which had up to three leaves and sealed with lead stamps.
A test cast in bronze of a wedding ring based on elements of the 9th century Anglo-Saxon Polingsford ring with a personalised dedication. The final version was cast in gold and was 22mm in diameter.
A cloak ring pin made from brass replicating one excavated from the Viking levels in York. Here a thong is used as the closing mechanism on the pin. Other materials can be used instead of leather thong, but it does show that when the cloak was anchored with the cloak pin and the tie, it was then infrequently removed to open the cloak and the cloak lifted off over the head instead. 141mm long.
A twisted 10th century ring made of bronze. Rings of this type have been found made in silver and gold. In this case individually sized - but small in this instance.
An Anglo-Saxon bone buckle from Goodmanham in Humberside. It has decorative rivets in the lobes and an iron catch - some have bone catches. Around 80mm long.
Bone Strap end joined to the woven belt length in some pretty lurid and expensive dyes. The strap end takes its design from a find in Goodmanham in Humberside. 10th century. Around 45mm long.
A bronze Later Anglo-Saxon dragon headed book mount from Sedgeford in Norfolk that had been altered and then re-used as a pendant. (Dear viewer, it shouldn't have precise round holes drilled in it - not my fault...) About 50mm in length.
A bone test Bridge piece for a Rebec - a three stringed instrument similar to a violin or fiddle. The strings sit in the grooves on the top of the bridge also spreading them apart. 36mm high.
A spurious dice holder with Viking Mammen style art made from a hollowed out section of Red Deer antler. The dice too are made of antler. Mid 10th century. The original example was carved on a section of bone and discovered in Arnes, Norway. About 70mm high.
The open lid of the dice pot. The hinges are very simple and plain as is the catch.
A Roman belt buckle made of bone. The original find was made at Richborough in Kent. Only the 'D' part of the buckle was found and I have added sections to fill in the gaps such as the belt plate and the remainder of the hinge. 52mm high.
26. A small leather bag containing a set of Sheep or Goat 'knuckle' bones - properly called Astralagus bones. They are used in a game of skill called 'Knuckles' where they are tossed off the back of the hand and caught by the same hand, steadily getting more tricky as the numbers build. Another Roman game was called Tali and consisted of simply rolling the knuckles on the floor or board and calculating scores from numbers and symbols allotted to the irregular sides on the bones. This had a number of variations and included bets made on the number of them that could be successfully dropped into a narrow necked vase. Games like this have been found from the Roman period through to the medieval.
A pair of 'End Blown Whistles' made from Red Deer leg bones. The fipple (from where you blow) is blocked and shaped with bees wax. The tube like structure of the bones made whistles like this common in most periods. Around 170mm long.
The engraved handle of an Anglo-Saxon carving knife with the blade design from Nazeing just north of London. The antler is Red Deer again as it is one of the most flexible and sturdy natural materials for purposes like handles. Handle length 120mm.
Sadly the sheath is undecorated...I might have to sort out that soon. Overall length of the knife 320mm.
A bronze version of the Viking silver brooch find from Gerede, Gotland in Sweden. It was found in a hoard dated to 1055AD. About 60mm in diameter.
A pair of Late Bronze Age miniature votive swords/daggers from the Moesgaard museum in Denmark. The swords are 108mm and 80mm in length.
Smaller mid Saxon strap ends in bronze - probably for book tags. The longest is 48mm long and was found in Ixworth, Suffolk.
A test piece of inlay carried out with copper and silver wires beaten into fine grooves cut into a block of soft steel. Inlay was a popular method of decorating Sword hilts and Seax blades in the Early Medieval period. The block is about 22mm long.
A completed Pewter Trefoil brooch from Viking York. Only a fragment of the mould was found, but enough to recreate the finished piece. About 60mm high.
Pagan Saxon Claw Beaker - probably imported from Frankish glass factories and not made in Britain - and the replicas are imported today. They are based on Roman examples but became rather debased. The claws were originally leaping dolphins in the Roman glasses. 190mm high. 7th century.
A taller glass drinking beaker from the Pagan Saxon period. The design on this example is made from trailed glass with a simple foot. The original glass was made in Frankish glass factories and imported to Britain. About 200mm high.
A long string of opaque blue glass beads. They are spaced with bronze cast beads decorated with spirals. The necklace is normally worn with Viking Tortoise brooches and the beads strung between - technically not really a necklace...the bronze cast beads are 18mm in diameter.
This is the anchor end of a Rebec - a 10th century style fiddle. The design was taken from an excavated example from Hedeby near Schleswig in Northern Germany. In this case, the 'hull' is made from Walnut and the sound board from Maple. There is an oak peg anchoring the linen tie to the bone tailpiece. This in turn is attached to the gut strings that overlie the whalebone bridge. The bow is made of ash and the string of the bow is Horse tail hair.
Here is the stubby neck of the Rebec where the three bone pegs help to tune the instrument. You can see the translucent nature of the sheep gut strings - they are affected by airborne moisture and de-tune the instrument very easily.
You can appreciate the overall boat shape of the Rebec from this shot. You may just be able to see to the small brass pins that help to secure the sound board down onto the hull - they are close to the edge of the soundboard. It is about 420mm long.
A copy of the Pan Pipe set from Viking York made in oak. About 95mm high.
Silver Trichinopoly chain. This is woven from one strand of silver wire (occasionally added to from time to time). Initially as its woven on a specially shaped spigot, it looks rather unpromising. However, as it is drawn through a series of holes it becomes more uniform and pliant. It is more commonly found in Viking sites with hoards. The chain is about 7mm thick.
A close up of some Tablet Weaving. This piece is only 15mm wide and made with very fine wool. As I recall, this was made with 24 tablets - a description of how it is done ought to be sought online - it would take too much space here.
A Felt hat with gold brocaded tablet weaving in the Ribe Viking museum.
A Birch wood shears box and a comb in an antler case. Also in the Viking Museum in Ribe.
One of a pair of bellows, typically Anglo-Saxon or Viking but equally Late Roman in style or even Medieval. They have a large capacity for working modest bronze melts or a small forge for working Iron. Made from oak boards and leather - about 600mm long.
In this view you can see the spout - which is carved from one large section of oak. You may also make out the groove cut into the spout where a leather pipe is tied in place to feed air to another section of the bellows to unite the airflow from both pairs of bellows.
This 'odd' section of timber with an antler spout is a method of merging the blasts of air from two sets of bellows. The bellows are joined to the 'uterus' (as I've coined it) by leather sleeves tied in place. The leather sleeves ensure that the alternate strokes applied to the bellows do not transfer to the spout end keeping the flow of air steady to the fire. I often place a large stone on the timber 'uterus' to keep it even steadier. The antler spout is to some extent sacrificial allowing the wood to remain cool. About 380mm long.
A Horn cup decorated with a Mid-Saxon tendril pattern and topped off with a silver rim mount. The horn has been steamed to force it into a more parallel profile. 140mm high.
One of three images of a hand carved Drinking Horn. The artwork is Viking in style (Ringerike) 1000AD but just an adapted pattern to suit the horn and not a replica. 360mm long.
The edges of the design are picked out in white pigment for emphasis. The mouth of the horn is begging out for an elegant silver rim.
The underside of the same horn. The random white marks on the horn are blemishes as the horn is carved picked up with the flash and are not so apparent under normal lighting.
A matched pair of drinking horns made for Museum of London. They feature a brass rim on the mouth of each with anchor clips riveted in place. Nominally Anglo-Saxon but not based on any particular find other than reference to finds from Sutton Hoo and Prittlewell. 400mm long.
A close up of the finished rims on the matched horns. Here you can make out the tramline finish to the rim clips.
A hand carved Soapstone bowl. This stone was quarried from Cornwall but other than the paler colour, is very similar to that use by the Vikings quarried from seams in Northern Shetland near Wick. Diameter 220mm.
The Soapstone bowl in action - here with a Madder dye bath. The soapstone seems to spread out the heat from the fire through its body very evenly. Soapstone bowls used by the Vikings have sometimes had handles and have also been nearly 500mm across in size - virtually immoveable with the fire organised around it. Other bowls seemed to have been suspended from iron escutcheons as found at Viking York.
The main features in this image are the Soapstone bowls in the hold of a replica ship in the Viking Museum, Ribe.
My Viking/Saxon home at an extended event. Just to the left of the image you can see a new Soapstone cauldron being carved out, sat on top of a stool.
Ulli and her blue hands after a session dyeing some wool with woad. Oh and it's not tea in the cup either - honest...
Various hanks of wool dyed with Woad. The green one on the end is woad overdying a hank that had been dyed yellow previously with Weld. Note how the woad weakens and the hanks get paler.
An imported Pingsdorf ware jug. The potteries in Pingsdorf near Bruhl - South of Cologne - were very prolific and many examples of this type of ware were imported into Britain's more exclusive sites in the Early Medieval period. The potteries were producing this pale pinkish from the 800's until the 1200's and comprised a huge range of styles and sizes of pot. It's surprising that such a delicate pot was traded so widely at that time and so successfully. About 200mm high.
A simple Saxon cup with incised decoration fired on site in a kiln largely constructed by digging into a bank and building up the roof with turf. It has a light honey glaze. The ware is a little porous but not desperately so. Height 85mm.
A Clamp Firing being opened up. The pale colours in the fired cups and bowls show that oxygen has seeped into the clamp during the firing. We were hoping for the pots to be evenly black all over. At this point they are still quite hot as we were in a little rush to finish the project...The rims (upper half) of the cups are were burnished with a bone spoon prior to placing them in the kiln.
Some of the more successfully reduced (oxygen starved) fired ware. These were further down in the clamp (a pit firing) and were starved of oxygen during the firing. You can appreciate a glossy black finish on the better examples. This is as a result of carbon being fused into the surface of the pots. The glossy look is due to the pots being burnished beforehand when they were 'leather hard'. The bowls are 160mm in diameter.
Oxford ware jugs - one tall and elegant and the other a bit dumpy and spoutless. Both have replicated Lead Salt glaze liberally splattered on their surfaces and internally. We tend to over do the glaze on the inside with this safe modern glaze for ease of use today. Both are 14th - 15th centuries. 200mm and 130mm high.
For the moment, I am unable to give any details about these bowls - I have forgotten...Doh!! I think they are Pagan Saxon in date. Possibly even pre Saxon.
A set of simple Samian ware pots. They are an S3 Drag 35 cup; a S7 Drag cup; and a S8 Drag cup. They date from the 1st - 4th centuries AD. The largest is 145mm in diameter. The colour is derived from using a slip that is extremely fine, manufactured by a process called levigation. When fired the ware has a very even sheen and quite a reddish colour.
Samian S8 Drag 33 Cup. 1st - 4th centuries AD. Diameter 100mm.
A S19 Drag 45 Samian Mortarium with a selection of other Saminan ware. The mortarium has a debased lions head and is more tightly dated to 2nd - early 3rd centuries AD. Diameter 212mm.
A pair of Roman flagons in a pale body known as Verulamium (St. Albans) region white ware. The flagons are finished with a thin pale slip. They are dated 1st - 2nd centuries AD and were quite universal items. They are 200mm and 150mm respectively.
Another pair of Roman flagons of the Verulamium region white ware type - here more perfunctorily slipped than the previous pair. Again 1st - 2nd centuries AD. 150mm and 180mm high.
A Pedestal Bowl - Pagan Saxon 5th - 7th centuries AD. Possibly used like a rather large 'brandy glass' but with beer or possibly wine. Height approximately 150mm.
Roman 'Rough Cast' beaker - 2nd century AD. The rough surface is made with the inclusion of sand to the slip. 70mm high.
Pagan Saxon bottles or flasks. Made by incising or impressing patterns and designs into the ware. They are often referred to as Jutish or Frankish wares. They seem to have been used to contain wine, but probably not for the long term as with modern glass bottles. 5th - 7th centuries AD. Height around 210mm - 280mm.
Later Anglo-Saxon Winchester Tripod Pitcher. 11th - 12th century AD. Height 360mm.
Later Anglo-Saxon Winchester Tripod Pitcher. 11th - 12th centuries AD. Height 360mm. From this three quarter view you can appreciate it's dumpy and yet perky appearance - well I think so.
Roman Amphora - type B1 Amphora produced in the Aegean. Early 3rd century AD About 440mm high.
Iron Cauldron with a tinned interior - tinned really as an aid to cleanliness for use. Tinning was known in the Viking period but not so liberally done as on this item. Diameter about 300mm.
Close up of the escutcheon on the Cauldron. This could equally be an Anglo-Saxon piece. The tinning also assists in closing any gaps in the metal plates should it be seen to leak - not that in use it should ever be left to over heat without fluid in it over the fire.
Large Ring Neck Flagon from 1st century AD. A very pale ware slipped with an equally pale clay. 280mm high.
Cistercian ware mug - 15th century. 100mm high.
London ware cup - 15th century AD. Height 100mm.
Not a harp that I have made - in fact I don't know who the manufacturer is. But none that less a pretty thing indeed and an instrument that I would like to make for myself. This is based on Anglo-Saxon manuscript images and has 19 strings. 10th century AD. About 800mm high.
Anglo-Saxon butter. The butter at this point is about to be squeezed between the butter pats to extract the remainder of the butter milk and firm up the butter. All produced on site with a churn etc. It has been lifted from the soapstone bowl where it was left to cool and drain.
A Rotary Quern in use. Made from Gritstone. This would been a common sight in many an Anglo-Saxon farm and used to grind grain into flour for domestic consumption. On site, we used this every other day to make flour for bread making. A process that took an hour or two to complete. Often there was surplus flour and this went to make fruit breads etc.
The Rotary Quern in action. You can make out the grain 'draining' through the centre past the 'rynd' and being fed between the top stone and lower stone faces. Occasionally, the flour had to be passed once more through the quern.
The Clay bread oven stoked and being heated up ready for baking later on. The bread oven works by storing heat in its thick walls and conducting this to the dough when it is placed inside the oven. All the fire used to heat it up is pulled out prior to baking.
With wood used to fire up the oven it is quite a smoky business. The oven can be used to roast meat too. It takes a little time to judge how long to cook things for - everything is variable. You can see a flue in the back of the oven - this is closed off when the fire has been raked out and baking begins. The oven is made with a clay floor to it and hazel sticks anchored into the ground creating it's outline. Then clay sausages with plenty of hay mixed in. These are in effect pinned to each other building up the oven sides and roof. This method ensures a strong build and a tolerant structure that doesn't crack too much during use. So much so that you could stand upon this when fired.
Believe it or not, but bread buns made in a clay oven with wholemeal flour ground on a Rotary Quern.
My friend Tom placing some bread to be baked into the clay oven. Here you can see the hot coals discarded for the time being in a shallow pit to one side - they invariably get added to the general cooking fire later. The curious feature on the top is merely the plug with a stick handle for the flue which has to be replaced as baking starts.
A complete Alder wood serving bowl and one partially shaped and scooped out. Alder is a good steady timber to make vessels like this from as it doesn't swell and shrink too much and splitting the woodwork.
Large silver Thumb Ring with designs taken from the Abingdon Sword. Anglo-Saxon and about 28mm in diameter.
Another view of the Abingdon Sword inspired ring.
The King piece from the Viking Balnakeil (Durness) Hnaftafl set. He is identified by a bronze rivet or cap. They are all made from Red Deer antler and were the same size but one side were red and the others left plain. The pegs in their bases are thin antler slices in the 'travel scrabble' mode. It follows that the board they were played on had peg holes in it.
A Bar Lug pot being used with Weld to dye some cloth yellow. The lugs (not in use here) are protected by the flared 'ears' allowing the pot to be suspended over a fire with organic means such as a rope made from leather or lime bast. The green colour around the rim is from previous woad dyeing sessions. Anglo-Saxon 10th century AD. About 190mm high.
Small Birch box. The lid and base are carved from Birch wood, but the sides are made of Birch Bark sewn together at the seam with root fibre. The sides are anchored to the wood with thorns from a Blackthorn. 100mm diameter.
You can see the way the Birch Bark is curved inwards with the most silvery side innermost - the reverse of how it is on the tree. This occurs quite naturally and especially if it is immersed in hot water.
Late Saxon buckle set made of Bronze. The strap end is about 63mm long.
A hanger and whisk made from Spruce tree tops. About 230mm long.
A Saxon Casket inspired by a find from Swallowcliffe Down, strengthened by brass strips, corner brackets and including a lock plate. About 300mm long.
A view from the inside of the casket demonstrating how the key locates to depress the spring latch (out of shot) attached to the lid.
Based on what are now called 'Nice Boxes' made by the Shaker movement from a lath of birch, this is in fact a Viking piece from York. It is engraved all over its surface with patterns found on the original piece in York. The lid and base were missing in York leaving just the sides. This is made of Birch, oak pegged together and sewn with linen. The thin flexible sides allow the lid to be sprung into place and the posts at the ends equally sprung back to remove the lid.
A pair of very simple Anglo-Saxon clothing or garment tags in Bronze. About 28mm long.
Late Roman and Germanic bronze belt fittings and brooch. The buckle is 6th - 7th centuries AD and the strap end 3rd - 5th centuries AD. The Square Headed brooch is also 6th - 7th centuries AD. The buckle has a replica garnet set into the latch plate. The brooch is about 60mm long.
Late Roman and Germanic bronze belt fittings and brooch. The buckle is 6th - 7th centuries AD and the strap end 3rd - 5th centuries AD. The Square Headed brooch is also 6th - 7th centuries AD. The buckle has a replica garnet set into the latch plate. From this angle it is easier to see the facets of the garnet in the latch plate of the buckle. Also the two clasps used to anchor the strap end to a leather belt. The brooch is about 60mm long.
Severn Valley ware Tankard. 2nd to 4th centuries AD. 140mm high.
A group of Roman tableware - including a Mortarium, two flasks of varying sizes and two drinking cups. One is called a 'Rough Cast' Beaker and the other a Bag Beaker with trails of coloured slip applied in a series of squiggles. Both are 2nd century AD. Inverted is a Roman Northern Gallic Grey ware vase. Made in the Pays De Calais area of Northern France. 1st - late 2nd centuries AD. Height 180mm.
A group of Roman tableware - including a Mortarium, two flasks of varying sizes and two drinking cups. (The others are hidden by the pieces in the foreground). On the right is a Roman Northern Gallic Grey ware vase. Made in the Pays De Calais area of Northern France. 1st - late 2nd centuries AD. Height 180mm.
Roman Mortarium 1st - 4th centuries AD. On this example, you can also see the potters stamp on the rim. The grinding area is made with grit embedded in the body and slip of the mortar.
A pair of Anglo-Saxon iron spurs forged from one piece of iron. The 'pricks' are a little shorter and blunter than would be the norm as they are for re-enactment use. 120mm long.
A solid silver replica of one of the Mid Saxon brooches from Beeston Tor. Along side is a Thors Hammer from Sweden. The brooch is 70mm in diameter and the hammer 35mm in length.
A silver Viking pendant from Varby in Sweden. The Varby belt set comprised of 38 pieces aping some Arabic designs with pendants like this hung below. 10th century AD. Diameter 40mm.
Mid Saxon Penannular brooch in Bronze from Whitby. Diameter approximately 35mm.
Viking Tortoise Brooch from Santon Downham in Suffolk. They are made in bronze that is gilded. It is made in two layers with an inner shell held together with four rivets. There are fine silver wires that run through channels between the bosses. Length 120mm.
Viking Tortoise Brooch from Santon Downham in Suffolk. They are made in bronze that is gilded. It is made in two layers with an inner shell held together with four rivets. There are fine silver wires that run through channels between the bosses which are more distinct in this view. The darker sections are where the plain bronze has oxidised contrasting with the gilt. Length 120mm.
Viking Tortoise Brooch from Santon Downham in Suffolk. They are made in bronze that is gilded. It is made in two layers with an inner shell held together with four rivets. There are fine silver wires that run through channels between the bosses. Despite the fretted finish, they are rather heavy. Now though, I believe that the inner shell in this type should be made of beaten bronze sheet and not cast making the piece lighter. Length 120mm.
A Neolithic Polished Flint Axe Head - here can be seen my marks indicating where more polishing was necessary although arguably it is polished enough. The above example was knapped out in around 2 hours and some 25 hours spent polishing it to this state, mostly on this side. It could be polished even further until every blemish and knapping mark was erased - in fact some axes are worked to just such a high degree. About 200mm long.
A Neolithic Polished Flint Axe Head. The above example was knapped out in around 2 hours and some 25 hours spent polishing it to this state, mostly on this side. It could be polished even further until every blemish and knapping mark was erased - in fact some axes are worked to just such a high degree. I found that when a child was given the task of polishing the axe head, they always managed to polish it with a lighter touch resulting in a finer polish (should that surprise me?). About 200mm long.
This is the reverse side of the Neolithic Polished Flint Axe Head (half polished that is). The above example was knapped out in around 2 hours and some 25 hours spent polishing it to this state, largely on the other side. It could be polished even further until every blemish and knapping mark was erased - in fact some axes are worked to just such a high degree. I found that when a child was given the task of polishing the axe head, they always managed to polish it with a lighter touch resulting in a finer polish (should that surprise me?). About 200mm long.
A Neolithic Polished Flint Axe Head here mounted in a Yew wood axe haft. It should be noted that whilst it took a few hours to make the Flint Axe Head, it took just as long if not longer to make the haft with flint tools - the finished haft scraped to this finish.
A Neolithic Polished Flint Axe Head in close up, mounted in a Yew wood axe haft.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Shears. They are made from deliberately springy and hard iron/steel. About 130mm long.
Roman Animal Brooch in the form of a Deer with Enamel insets. 1st - 2nd centuries AD. 35mm long.
A 32" diameter Anglo-Saxon shield with an iron rim. This is a re-enactment piece and is made from ply rather than planks of Lime or Poplar, but 'planked' by scoring to give the effect of real planks. It has an iron frame that splays out to support the 'planks' and forms the central grip too. Approximately 810mm in diameter.
A 32" diameter Anglo-Saxon shield with an iron rim. This is a re-enactment piece and is made from ply rather than planks of Lime or Poplar, but 'planked' by scoring to give the effect of real planks. In this rear view you can see the iron frame that splays out to support the 'planks' and forms the central grip too, here wrapped with leather. Something that goes overlooked is the carrying strap that for a foot soldier would be essential. It would seem that a shield originally ought to be made from either three or five planks. Approximately 820mm in diameter.
This is an Anglo-Saxon/Viking 32" round shield that is the standard in Regia Anglorum, that has been put through its paces over a season. A 9mm birch ply base planked, and linen or canvas glued over the front finished off with a rawhide rim tacked into place. About 820mm in diameter.
In this detail, you can see the handmade nail heads towards the rim that anchor the grip batten. These are clenched on the reverse whereas the centre boss is riveted.
This oblique view shows the boss which is very nearly carinated in form. These are again standard rather than a perfect replica - due in large to the complex nature that an Anglo-Saxon boss took - i.e. too tricky for a machine to make. The boss is about 180mm in diameter.
From this view, you can appreciate the manner in which the boss is secured to the shield board by five rivets and their associated roves. The batten is fastened in six places by nails, two of whom near the boss are riveted with the others clenched. Integrated with the batten of Ash is the carrying strip by just lashing and lacing.
In this image you can appreciate the five rivets and those securing the batten across the shield boss.
The image shows the method of lacing the shoulder strap back through itself on the shield and under a shallow slot cut into the batten.
My version of the Sutton Hoo helmet. This is in fact more of a model than a replica in the sense that it can't be worn from day to day - not that the original was either really. It is fully to scale but made from basic materials such as brass, leather and the skull from fibre glass resin. 625AD.
This is the helm (not fully complete) in the studio being readied for a photo shoot.
From this lower three quarter view you can see the fibre glass that makes up the basic structure of the helm. It gives you a feel for the way the original helmet cradles the head and face with some subtle curves.
A more moody view of the helmet. 625AD.
This image of the Sutton Hoo helmet in its complete form. This includes cheek flap ties and a felt helmet liner.
The crest is complete as are dragon head terminals.
Close up of the crest on the Sutton Hoo helmet. The original is made of silver inlayed into darkened iron. The Dragon's eyes would have been made of garnets. 625AD.
A view of the back of the helmet skull cap with a similar dragon terminal as at the front.
A close up of the neck guard and the leather straps just peeping out that secure the neck guard to the helmet, allowing some movement to the neck guard. The flash has highlighted the decorative panels quite well too.
Detail of the eyebrows and dragon headed terminals. The original had cast bronze eyebrows that were gilded and inlayed with silver. In addition they had square 19 garnets inset at the lower strip of each brow.
A general view of the rear of the helmet. I have a confession to make - there should be one extra decorative strip running down the centre of the neck guard and the rest respaced to take account of the introduction. A cock up I admit. However, since this helmet is displayed facing the public, it won't be noticed...I hope. A case of being a little too close to the work.
A perfect profile of the finished helm showing how the neck guard sits under the skull cap and the cheek flaps over the skull cap. The face plate is a permanent fixture to the skull cap, but is only attached by three thin joints and can't be considered to be a stout fixing. A blow to the face would bend it back very easily.
The interior of the helmet with the thick felt liner. Felt is also secured to the cheek flaps. The neck guard is covered with leather.
With the felt liner taken out, this view shows how the leather straps that secure the cheek flaps and neck guard are hung.
Sutton Hoo helmet liner in Felt.
A pair of Roman Mortarium. Early 2nd - late 4th centuries AD. The Mancetter style mortaria were made from a pale or creamy white fabric - looking a little too pink in this image. Diameter approximately 260mm.
Slightly drunk looking Oxford ware 14th - 15th centuries - a little Cruet, taller Jug and a mug. The Cruet is 85mm high and the jug 280mm.
14th - 15th centuries Oxford ware Bottle. Height 100mm.
The Oxford ware Bottle and Cruet together. 14 - 15th centuries AD.
A Medieval Jug produced in Grimston (Kings Lynn, Norfolk) but found in Norway. This image is recovered from a Polaroid hence it's fuzzy appearance. It has a cartoon face with beard on it at the mouth and freely trailed decoration down its flanks and an excessive amount of faux handles. This example is taller than the original find but retains all the main features of this type of pot. 14th century AD. Height 370mm.
A small Roman flagon in a pale body known as Verulamium (St. Albans) region white ware. The flagon is finished with a thin pale slip. It is dated 1st - 2nd centuries AD and was quite a universal item. Height 150mm. To its right is a Samian Drag 33 Cup 1st - 4th centuries. Diameter approximately 100mm.
A rather plain (with the exception of the pricked out design below the rim) Saxon cooking pot. 6th - 7th centuries AD. Height approximately 150mm.
A rather plain (with the exception of the pricked out design below the rim) Saxon cooking pot. More functional rather than elegant. 6th - 7th centuries AD. Height approximately 150mm.
The Sutton Hoo Shield Boss. 625AD. About 230mm in diameter.
The Sutton Hoo Shield Boss. 625AD.
Sutton Hoo Shield with all the mounts in place. 625AD.
The Maple wood bottles from Sutton Hoo decorated with gilded pressings and rim mounts. 625AD.
The six Maplewood bottles from Sutton Hoo decorated with gilded pressings and rim mounts. 625AD.
The Sutton Hoo Purse Lid. It's seen here prior to being joined to the bag part of the purse. The hinges and catch all operate. 625AD.
A sturdy Early Saxon Lyre. I'm unsure who the builder is. I think this is made of oak and not maple - I'm sure that the differences in the nature of the timber will alter the tonal qualities. About 750mm long.
A Pagan Saxon period shield here made with ply, but other than that, with materials consistent with the find from Grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade. It has a curious conical shield boss and sewn leather edge and painted with red ochre. 600 - 750AD. About 500mm in diameter.
A close up of the Shield Boss from grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade. You can see here how it was fabricated from a single sheet of iron and then riveted shut rather than raised from a disk of iron, which is the more usual construction for bosses. 600 - 750AD. Height a little under 140mm.
The reverse of the Grave 40 Shield, Butlers Field, Lechlade. There are two ash lath bracers glued and clench nailed in place. Note also the off center grip caught by the rivets anchoring the shield boss. I have to say that off center grip was awkward to use - I think it needed a better solution. There were no details as to the arrangement of the boss over the grip which would push to a particular arrangement. 600 - 750AD. Diameter about 500mm.
A Pagan Saxon period shield here made with ply, but other than that, with materials consistent with the find from Grave 40, Butlers Field, Letchlade. It has a curious conical shield boss and sewn leather edge and painted with yellow ochre in this, my second version of the shield. 600 - 750AD. About 500mm in diameter.
The reverse of the Grave 40 Shield, Butlers Field, Lechlade. There are two ash lath bracers glued and clench nailed in place. Previously there was an off centre grip caught by the rivets anchoring the shield boss. I have to say that the off centre grip was awkward to use - I think it needed a better solution. Here in my second version of the shield and I have 'corrected' the awkwardness with the grip and placed it centrally with more of a keyhole cut to the hole under the boss. This required an extra pair of small rivets to hold the grip which does follow the find a little closer - however there were no extra nails or rivets and neither were there any left around the boss. There were no details as to the arrangement of the boss over the grip which would push to a particular arrangement. 600 - 750AD. Diameter about 500mm.
A particularly large Seax from Grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade. The blade alone was 690mm long and 45mm deep. The grip alone would have been a minimum of 220mm long. The sheath was an attempt to make something purely of leather and functional with no metal fittings at all. 600 - 750AD. 720mm long.
In this shot of the large Seax (Grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade), the flash has picked out the twin deep fullers that run down the blade. There is in fact a third fine one in between the larger ones. 600 - 750AD. About 720mm long.
A small 'eating' knife with an ash grip and leather sheath (Grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade), with an overall length of 200mm. 600 - 750AD.
All that remained of the original find from the Lechlade (Grave 14, Butlers Field), were two of the blown glass 'trunks' or debased dolphins. Approximately 190mm high. 600 - 750AD.
Wool Combs (Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade). They had it seems 22 teeth apiece but possibly only 20. The teeth are 4mm thick on average. The handles are made of oak. 600 - 750AD. Approximately 92mm wide.
Wool Combs (Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade). They had it seems 22 teeth apiece but possibly only 20. The teeth are 4mm thick on average. From this angle you can appreciate how they pierce the iron sheath out of the oak 'bat'. In use they would be quite sharp. 600 - 750AD. Approximately 92mm wide.
Spearhead and Javelin head from Grave 40, Butlers Field, Lechlade. The third item is a very hefty key from Gave 14 on the same site. The key is about 180mm long even with a curious bend to it. 600 - 750AD. Largest spearhead is 305mm long.
These are called 'Thread Boxes'. There was nothing to suggest that from the find that this held threads and was seemingly empty. (Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade). Made of brass and in two snugly fitting halves, it is decorated prior to assembly and worked from the inside out. 600 - 750AD. A little over 70mm long.
Pagan Saxon 'Thread Box' - here opened. There was nothing to suggest that from the find that this held threads and was seemingly empty. (Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade). Made of brass and in two snugly fitting halves, it is decorated prior to assembly and worked from the inside out, which is easier to appreciate in this image. It was probably worn slung with a cord from the waist in this female grave. 600 - 750AD. A little over 70mm long.
Saucer brooches from grave 130 of the Early Saxon site Butlers Field, Lechlade. The brooches were gilded on their inner cupped surface. 475 - 600AD. Diameter approximately 45mm.
A scattering of Silver rings from Grave 14 - Butlers Field Lechlade. There were eight rings like these in the grave with a number of copper alloy ones too with glass beads mounted on them. 600 - 750AD. The largest hoop is about 22mm in diameter.
A mounted Beaver Tooth from Grave 14, Butlers Field in Lechlade. The other skeletal pendant was unidentified - possibly a Wolf Tooth and some glass beads with bronze hoops. Beaver tooth 36mm long (not including ring).
Slightly out of focus glass spiral beads from Grave 130 - Butlers Field, Lechlade. The other beads are from the other graves. 475 - 750AD. The spiral beads are about 20mm across.
Elements from Grave 84, Butlers Field, Lechlade. The gold pendant has a deep blue glass setting at the centre. Also a green glass pendant with a brass surround and mount. 600 - 750AD. Disc about 34mm in diameter.
An assorted group of pieces from Grave 130, Butlers Field, Lechlade. The large bead at the top is made from Red Deer Antler. Also a Silver 'Snake' or serpent ring, simple iron buckle and a toilet set - although these were generally made from brass. The grave also had 109 amber beads in it. 475 - 600AD. The large Antler bead is 22mm in diameter.
The Bucket or 'Situla' as they were called from Grave 40 (Butlers Field, Lechlade). Made from thin oak staves it is 190mm tall and 230mm in diameter. It holds a gallon comfortably. My first impression and suspicion is that it was used for holding or serving beer. This was my first version of this piece. 600 - 750AD.
The Bucket or 'Situla' as they were called from Grave 40 (Butlers Field, Lechlade). The bands compress the whole bucket together. The staves are only 8mm at their thickest and slim down to 4mm and then 3mm at their tops. The base is a single board of ash in this case and was my first version of this piece. 600 - 750AD. Max diameter 230mm.
A pair of Silver Pins set with Garnets from Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade. The fine chain is a loop through loop style and they were found near the throat area on the body. 600 - 750AD. The pins are quite delicate and are each 60mm long.
Alongside the pins is a pair of large shears from the same Grave 14, Butlers Field, Lechlade. Also in the background is a Whetstone from Grave 40 on the same site. All are 600 - 750AD. The Shears are 192mm long and the Whetstone 265mm in length.
A group of small Whetstones styled on finds from Jarrow. Thought to be stones used to hone the knives that were used to cut quills. Mid Saxon. Around 75mm long.
A child's Viking Shield. It is made from a ply board for convenience but has a turned wooden boss and a sewn leather edge. The grip is oak secured with clenched nails (the points are bent back into the wood of the shield board). There are some simple rings that secure the shield strap which is knotted to fit. About 400mm wide.
The face of the child's Viking Shield with and Viking toy sword carved out of Ash. (These have been excavated). The scabbard on the sword is made from rawhide covered with linen in the same manner as the Balnakeil find. The baldric is finished off with a simple bone buckle. Sword and Scabbard is about 550mm long.
The face of the child's Viking Shield with and Viking toy sword (seen here out of the scabbard) carved out of Ash. (These have been excavated). The scabbard on the sword is made from rawhide covered with linen in the same manner as the Balnakeil find. The baldric is finished off with a simple bone buckle. Sword and Scabbard is about 550mm long.
A close up of the child's Viking toy sword scabbard showing the knotwork that secures the baldric around the mouth of the scabbard, and the little bone buckle.
Close up of the grip of the child's toy Viking sword carved out of Ash.
A group of Early Saxon 'Pin Beaters' - typical of finds from Canterbury. There is no certain use for these items - possibly they may be used to help tension weaving on Warp Weighted Looms. These are made from cow bone. They are about 160mm long but they vary greatly.
A set of Antler dice with some scoring dice. The dice are cut from the more solid section of antler from the base of the antler of Red Deer where it knits to the skull. The largest dice is about 15mm square.
A close up of the Antler dice.The largest are about 15mm square.
A close up of the Atatl tip made from Elk or Moose Antler. It is secured to the hazel shaft by pine tar and sinew. Upper Palaeolithic. 10500BC. Length 45mm.
A Palaeolithic 'Baton de Commandment' - probably a spear shaft straightener. It has a group of horses or ponies carved into it - possibly prey animals. The straightener allows you to apply pressure to a shaft when heat is being used to alter the natural bends in a javelin shaft. Also it can be used to size the shafts at the same time. The other artefact is an Atatl or spear thrower. There is an Antler tip secured to the end of a hazel shaft. This antler tip locates onto the end of the javelin and helps to add a good deal of propulsion to the shaft making it move much quicker and further. Upper Palaeolithic. 10500BC. Length of Atatl about 420mm.
A close up of the carved ponies on a Palaeolithic 'Baton de Commandment' - probably a spear shaft straightener. The straightener allows you to apply pressure to a shaft when heat is being used to alter the natural bends in a javelin shaft. Also it can be used to size the shafts at the same time. Upper Paelolithic. 10500BC. Length of Spear Straightener about 290mm.
A close up of the hole in a Palaeolithic 'Baton de Commandment' - probably a spear shaft straightener. It has a group of horses or ponies carved into it - possibly prey animals. The straightener allows you to apply pressure to a shaft when heat is being used to alter the natural bends in a javelin shaft. Also it can be used to size the shafts at the same time. Upper Palaeolithic. 10500BC. Length of Spear Straightener about 290mm.
A curious use perhaps for Antler - but a pair of hammers copied from finds in Jarrow and Birka. The upper one is from Jarrow. It is thought that they were used for fine gold work. 1200's and Viking. Length about 240mm.
A Roman period hoe made from a section of Red Deer antler, based on a find from Eggington, Burton Upon Trent in Derbyshire. In all likelihood this is a native piece rather than specifically being Roman. Height about 190mm.
An Antler serrated spear tip and Archers Wrist Guard. the spear tip would have been grouped with one or two more to enable it to trap slippery fish such as eel, although any fish would probably been seized by the sharp serrations. There is a huge variety of spear tips, some more like harpoon heads and other with very fine teeth. Archer's wrist guards have been found made from stone such as slate, however i thought that bone would be an excellent substitute material and easier to work - which seems to be the case - much like the find from Blackberry Field, Potterne in Wiltshire or from Collingbourne Kingston. Early Bronze Age stone wrist-guards are found across Europe from around 2400 - 1900BC and are closely associated with the 'Beaker culture'. The Spear tip is Magdalenian. 9000BC. Length about 130mm.
A Flint Knife knapped by John and with a grip made from leather and sinew. I wonder if it would be more likely that it should have a grip made from Lime Tree fibres. Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age. 2000BC. Length about 170mm.
An Iron Age comb with rather short teeth from the Broch of Burrian in the Orkneys. This could be a weaving comb or for combing sinew or possibly, just a comb for your beard or hair. It is joined by two polished Ivory bangles and a bone spear point that has a groove cut into the edge (difficult to see in this image) in readiness for some flint barbs to be glued in with pine resin. This has a date of 6500BC. The weaving comb has a broad date of 200BC - 400AD. Some of them were made from the bones of a Whale or a Dolphin. The comb is 102mm long.
A close up of the Iron Age comb with rather short teeth from the Broch of Burrian in the Orkneys. This could be a weaving comb or for combing sinew or possibly, just a comb for your beard or hair. The weaving comb has a broad date of 200BC - 400AD. You may just be able to pick out the ring and dot motifs on the handle of the comb. Some of them were made from the bones of a Whale or a Dolphin. 102mm long.
A bone spear point that has a groove cut into the edge in readiness for some flint barbs to be glued in with pine resin. This has a date of 6500BC. About 160mm long.
A tooth for tooth replica of a rather badly damaged Antler Comb from London. About 50% of the original was missing, but luckily combs like this are largely symmetrical - with just the teeth finer towards one end. Made from Red Deer Antler panels secured with iron rivets. The original was discovered in Cheapside. 10th - 11th centuries. 214mm long.
Close up of a tooth for tooth replica of a rather badly damaged Antler Comb from London. About 50% of the original was missing, but luckily combs like this are largely symmetrical - with just the teeth finer towards one end. Made from Red Deer Antler panels secured with iron rivets. The original was discovered in Cheapside. 10th - 11th centuries. 214mm long.
One of my earlier comb pieces styled on some of the finds from Viking Jorvik. Again made from Red Deer Antler and anchored with iron rivets. The tipped up ends to the terminal plates is more typical of Viking examples. Length about 150mm.
Later Anglo-Saxon period antler comb that isn't based on any particular find. Length about 200mm.
Close up of a Later Anglo-Saxon period antler comb that isn't based on any particular find. Length about 200mm.
An exceptionally long single-sided Antler Comb from a find at Pudding Lane in London. Again tooth for tooth replica made from Red Deer antler. Length 241mm.
Close up of an exceptionally long single-sided Antler Comb from a find at Pudding Lane in London. Again tooth for tooth replica made from Red Deer antler. Length 241mm.
Late Roman Double Sided Comb made from Red Deer Antler. The original find is from Lankhills in Winchester, Hampshire. 350 AD. Length 112mm.
A variety of Roman belt buckle components. The larger buckle is from Richborough in Kent and the more elegant one from Colchester. The larger buckle is about 52mm high.
A variety of bone implements. Roman spoon with a deep cup and a slightly larger Anglo-Saxon spoon that is rather flat. Also an improvised hook from Antler.
The central bone piece in this image is a Roman 'Fig Hand' talisman (clenched fist and phallus) of unknown use. It is based on a find from Southwark in London. 1st - 3rd centuries AD. Restored length 92mm.
The central piece in this image is an Early Bronze Age bone knife, mimicking one presumably made of Bronze or Copper on display in the Museum of London. The original was dredged from the River Thames. Below it are two Roman hair pins. Above a bone arrow/javelin head and a digging stick tip - quite new and unused it seems.
Two Bone Roman Hair pins. One crudely executed and the other with a hand signal upon it. 1st - 2nd centuries AD. About 140mm in length.
A bundle of playing pieces made from Antler. About 25mm tall for the largest.
A Bone Whistle combined from two finds - Bury St. Edmunds and Pfaumheim. This completed example works, but it would seem that the original one from Bury never did as it was incomplete. This with some added beeswax has a high pitched sound much like that of a dog whistle today. At top is a simple bone apple corer or cheese tester. Mid Saxon. Whistle about 90mm long.
A Horn Tablet Weaving card. A good number of these are needed for tablet weaving e.g. - 24 of them. It is 45mm square.
The main group of skeletal material items. The only one not mentioned before is the very short toothed comb - probably a tool for decorating pots with combing or stipple marks. About 110mm long.
A Viking carved horse toy and an Amber pendant. The horse is about 80mm high.
Carved Amber Viking pendant. The design is derived from a 'mask' on a runestone in Moesgaard Museum near Arhus in Denmark. Height about 52mm.
A variety of whistles made from Red Deer leg bones. Whistles can be made from many hollow long bones - these are essentially Saxon or Viking. The longest is about 210mm in length.
Large Collared Urn with two smaller Bell Beakers. Later Neolithic/Early Bronze Age. An interesting aspect of the decoration on the large Urn is that if string was used to make the alternate angled decoration, then in some way the original potters solved the issue of the of how not to overlap the decoration if indeed string was used...Height of Urn 355mm.
A modest sized Viking Rune Stone at only 700mm high - here with just the runes and pattern outlined on the natural stone.
A modest sized Viking Rune Stone at only 700mm high - here with the runes and pattern outlined, but also with the stone painted white so as to stand out against the landscape. To our modern eyes a bit lurid perhaps, but these were meant to be seen and convey their message - only to those who could read runes 1000 years ago.
This is my work bench at 'Roman Londinium' in the Museum of London a few years ago. The only space left for me that was 'cheap' was the end of one house under reconstruction. I am to blame for all the chippings on the floor - these result from my cutting out wooden lasts to make my shoes around.
Upon a plank are a few of the many styles of shoe that the Romans made. It was nice in that I was able to add to the exhibit from day to day and giving a real feel that someone had in effect just wandered out dropping his tools on the bench. On occasion the space was just packed to the rafters with people trying to see what I was doing - the only live interactive in the set.
I believe that part of the secret was to make a fair bit of clatter and people moved to see who or what was making the racket in a place like a museum.
Roman Carbatinae based on a find from Vindolanda.
Roman Calceus with a rather elegant fretted decoration and a dressed edge. This form of shoe often covered the foot more comprehensively. Also it sports an additional nailed sole.
A well worn Roman Carbatinae. I have resoled this example and it is still going strong.
A Roman Solea for quite a small foot. The sole was all that remained in this find from London.
Roman Carbatinae replicating a find from London. 100AD. (Crammed onto a rather large foot).
A very low and simple Roman Carbatinae based on a find from Saalburg.
A pair of simple children's shoes made from Elk or Moose leather.
My daughter wearing her pair of simple shoes made from Elk or Moose leather.
A comparative shot showing the differences between Roman sandals and a more 'native' style of shoe from the same period. The Roman one is nearly asymmetrically laced up the centreline of the foot whereas the Iron Age shoe is stretched over the foot by means of cuts to the leather and laced more into the instep.
Roman Calceus with a rather elegant fretted decoration and a dressed edge. This form of shoe often covered the foot more comprehensively. Also it sports an additional nailed sole - here also in better light.
Roman Calligae. This is a serviceable pattern - they could come in much more elaborate styles and appeared quite delicate.
Roman Calligae showing the nailing pattern on the sole.
Roman Carbatinae replicating a find from London. 100AD.
A Greco/Roman sandal - here made a little more serviceable with a fine nailed sole - which would have been more likely to have been thonged together. Taken from an image rather than a find, it thongs between the big toe and then back around the foot via the loops on the side.
A Greco/Roman sandal - here made a little more serviceable with a fine nailed sole - which would have been more likely to have been thonged together. Derived from an image rather than a find, it thongs between the big toe and then back around the foot via the loops on the side. Here you can see how it secures around the outside of the foot and criss-crosses around the vamp area of the foot and ankle.
A Greco/Roman sandal - here made a little more serviceable with a fine nailed sole - which would have been more likely to have been thonged together. Taken from an image rather than a find, it thongs between the big toe and then back around the foot via the loops on the side. Although the sandal has a pointed toe, it doesn't follow the line of the toes particularly closely.
A Greco/Roman sandal - here made a little more serviceable with a fine nailed sole - which would have been more likely to have been thonged together. Taken from an image rather than a find, it thongs between the big toe and then back around the foot via the loops on the side. This image demonstrates the simple pattern and plan of the sandle. A broken thong can be easily relaced through the loop in the toe on the inner sole.
A Norman Staff of Office - a wooden one such as Odo used is called a 'Baculum'. This has a small iron hexagonal head - there are examples made of cast bronze - mounted on a yew staff. In truth it can't be considered a real weapon of war as it's too slender. Length about 600mm.
Close up of the business end of Norman Staff of Office - a wooden one such as Odo used is called a 'Baculum'. This has a small iron hexagonal head - there are examples made of cast bronze - mounted on a yew staff. Length about 600mm.
A gilded version of the Iron Age Torc from Aube about 150 miles west of Paris. The original is made only of bronze. It is a whole ring, that when sprung, a section drops out that is secured by a small prong at each end. The decoration is separated by blank zones, which helps make them stand out. The whole design is based around three individual fields with three equally spaced rings of swirls. Each band of looping swirls has a small face contained in it. There is precious little else to say about the torc other than it is rather elegant, particularly on a womans neck - but that it entirely my opinion.
A replica of a Torc find from South West Norfolk. The original was made out of Electrum whereas this is made in silver - largely to save on cost but keeping the working properties of electrum. When placed around the neck (which is very simple as the silver rope is very elastic), it is surprisingly cold, but as it warms with the body, other than its weight, it sits very comfortably and doesn't pinch. 100 - 50BC. Torc diameter about 180mm.
A close up of the replica of a Torc find from South West Norfolk. Here you can appreciate the terminals. Around the collar where the 'rope' fits into the terminal you can see the 'golf ball' decorative beads which are common feature of many torcs from this area. Dividing the central terminal rings is a wavy line which was cast straight but then punched alternately from either side to make it zigzag. The torc isn't polished any more than the original leaving the interior untouched. 100 - 50BC. Terminal length about 35mm.
A close up of the replica of a Torc find from South West Norfolk. Here you can appreciate the detail in the terminals. Around the collar where the 'rope' fits into the terminal you can see the 'golf ball' decorative beads, which was a common feature of many torcs from this area. Dividing the central terminal rings is a wavy line which was cast straight but then punched alternately from either side to make it zigzag. The 'rope' of the torc was made from four cables twisted together, and each cable made from six wires wound around a mandrel. 100 - 50BC. Terminal length about 35mm.
Gold Ribbon Neck Torc with flared trumpet terminals. Based on a find from Heyop, Powys in 1955. One of three ploughed up bundled into a ball. This is made from bronze and Gold plated. Diameter 210mm.
Coiled Arm Ring or Bracelet from the Late Bronze Age. This piece is based upon finds from largely Denmark and is made of 'D' shaped section bronze. The terminal ends are taken from one find and the overall coil from another. The number of coils is quite modest in this example - some have nearly twice this number. Approximately 900 BC. Diameter about 75mm.
Close up of the forged end of the Coiled Arm Ring or Bracelet from the Late Bronze Age. This piece is based upon finds from largely Denmark and is made of 'D' shaped section bronze. The terminal ends are taken from one find and the overall coil from another. The number of coils is quite modest in this example - some have nearly twice this number. Approximately 900 BC. Diameter about 75mm.
Raw casting in Bronze of a Flat Axe from Willerby Wold in North Yorkshire. The original find was decorated with simple engraved patterns over a good proportion of the centre section of the axe. This form from the Early Bronze Age has the beginnings of flanges that can be seen in later styles of axe head. The cutting edge would be hammered to work harden the edge before use. This would flare the cutting edge a bit more creating a classic crescent shape to the edge. My apologies for the slightly blurry image. 1700 BC. Length 170mm.
Model ready for moulding of an Early Bronze Age Halbard head based on one of two found in a quarry near Tywyn, Gwynedd, found in 1932. The Halbard head was fixed at right angles to the shaft supporting it by in this case three bronze rivets. As a weapon of war, it is a curious device - seemingly quite frail by comparison to a spear or an axe. 1800BC. Length 268mm.
A wax version ready for casting (by the lost wax method which was never used in the Bronze Age) of a small Flanged Axe Head originally from Westbury-on-Trym near Bristol. The find is from the later end of the Early Bronze Age. Length 115mm.
A Palstave Axe (mounted on the haft) and a Socketed Axe head - both in Bronze. The Palstave is based on a find from Chepstow and is also ribbed. I have added a securing loop which wasn't present on the original but makes anchoring it much easier. This feature alters the date a little making the style younger age wise. This close up shows my lashing method, but there would have many sorts originally. 1200 BC. Length about 150mm. The Socketed Axe head is based on the example from Sompting in West Sussex. This form of axe head is anchored by the wood of the crooked haft sitting inside the axe head instead of pinching it - in theory stronger than the Palstave type. 800 BC. Length 130mm.
A Palstave Axe (mounted on the haft) and a Socketed Axe head - both in Bronze. The Palstave is based on a find from Chepstow and is also ribbed. I have added a securing loop which wasn't present on the original but makes anchoring it much easier. This feature alters the date a little making the style younger age wise. 1200 BC. Length about 150mm. The Socketed Axe head is based on the example from Sompting in West Sussex. This form of axe head is anchored by the wood of the crooked haft sitting inside the axe head instead of pinching it - in theory stronger than the Palstave type. 800 BC. Length 130mm.
Late Bronze Age Rapier with a Yew wood hilt. The scabbard is made from a spiral of leather secured by just glue and resin. It sits over a very basic sheath and the combination of both makes for a very stiff scabbard. There is no evidence for such a thing but is an exercise in what could be done with simple materials. The blade is based on the find from Wilsford Down, Wiltshire. Late Bronze Age. Overall length 550mm.
Close up of the hilt area of a Late Bronze Age Rapier with a Yew wood hilt. The scabbard is made from a spiral of leather secured by just glue and resin. It sits over a very basic sheath and the combination of both makes for a very stiff scabbard. There is no evidence for such a thing but is an exercise in what could be done with simple materials. The blade is based on the find from Wilsford Down, Wiltshire. The baldric is knotted around the scabbard is merely an invention but entirely possible. Late Bronze Age. Overall length 550mm.
Polished cast of a Late Bronze Age Sword blade. The original find was apparently from the Thames at Barnes some time ago with few details. 1000BC. Length about 700mm.
Close up of the grip area of a Late Bronze Age Sword blade. The original find was apparently from the Thames at Barnes some time ago with few details. Note the tram lines that run parallel to the edge. The grip should be more hollow edged than it is in this image. 1000BC. Length about 700mm.
Late Bronze Age Sword blade. The original find was apparently from the Thames at Barnes some time ago with few details. In this image it has a grip made of horn riveted in place and it is in an oak scabbard based on the find from Borum Eshoj in Denmark. The horn grip is inspired by the sword in the grave at Muldbjerg, also in Denmark. 1000BC. Length about 700mm.
Close up of the Late Bronze Age Sword blade. The original find was apparently from the Thames at Barnes some time ago with few details. In this image it has a grip made of horn riveted in place and it is in an oak scabbard based on the find from Borum Eshoj in Denmark. The horn grip is inspired by the sword in the grave at Muldbjerg, also in Denmark. I like to keep baldrics simple despite the knotted manner in which the baldric anchors to the scabbard - the original had nothing apparently to hang it by. 1000BC. Length about 700mm.
Close up of the Late Bronze Age Sword baldric. The buttons are based on the turned wooden ones from Muldbjerg - but quite how they worked is unclear. My solution is to use them to join the scabbard hanger to the baldric proper. Instead of wood, I have contrived them from bone and riveted the three layers with a bronze rivet. 1000BC. Length about 700mm.
Late Bronze Age Axe Hammer based on a find from Randersfjord in Northern Denmark. The shaft it sits on is entirely of my own design but seems to fit the picture as it were. Length of the head about 170mm.
Close up of the head of a Late Bronze Age Axe Hammer based on a find from Randersfjord in Northern Denmark. The shaft it sits on is entirely of my own design but seems to fit the picture as it were. Length of the head about 170mm.
Dolphin headed buckle in Silver based on a find from Colchester. Late Roman with Germanic influences. 3rd - 5th centuries AD. 30mm wide where it meets the belt.
Along with the Dolphin headed buckle is a Long Brooch and simple strap end. Long brooch is 6th - 7th centuries AD and the strap end 2nd - 4th centuries AD. Brooch 70mm long and strap end 40mm long.
Norman flat topped Helm with face plate. 12th - 13th centuries AD.
Norman flat topped Helm with face plate face on. The face panel is sometimes remarked as a 'cheese grater'. 12th - 13th centuries AD.
Norman flat topped Helm with face plate. Even this open design by comparison with later styles is visually restrictive. 12th - 13th centuries AD.
Viking or Anglo-Saxon Spangenhelm. 11th century AD.
Viking or Anglo-Saxon Spangenhelm. This image shows how a leather suspension ring supports the helmet when worn - more often in this period without a mail covering to the head. 11th century AD.
Viking or Anglo-Saxon Spangenhelm. The main difference between this one and the previous model is all in the size of the panels that made up the dome. 11th century AD.
Viking or Anglo-Saxon Spangenhelm. The suspension liner is laced in this case and not riveted to the helmet. 11th century AD.
A version of the Olmutz Helmet. 12th century AD.
The Bridle from Mound 17 at Sutton Hoo. This doesn't have all the gilded mounts to it but does position them with bronze blanks - the originals being in the case beside it. 625AD.
A close up of the Bit from Mound 17 at Sutton Hoo. The bit is a 'snaffle' bit. Even the terminal ends of the bit had gilded bronze mounts attached to them. Also in this view you can see one of the 'axe' mounts in situ. 625AD.
In the frontal view of the bridle in place you can imagine how flashy it would have looked. In use the whole thing would have been quite noisy too. 625AD.
Bridle from Mound 17 Sutton Hoo. 625AD.
The Bridle was not very straight forward in the arrangement of the reins and the manner in which they joined to the bit. All this extra metalwork would have jangled a lot - probably wearing the leather out a fair bit.
This close up shows how the leather in the original was folded over and sewn with linen that is still white even to this day. 625AD.
Although I produced a good number of items for the Sutton Hoo re-created burial, none of them are positioned in this image. The chamber looks rather devoid of grave goods though, for an influential king who could afford to be buried with a ship - I feel a good deal is missing and just vanished in the rather acidic 'soup that it all sat in for the last 1300 or so years. 625AD.
A general view of the burial chamber. I made the Helmet; horn mounts; bottle mounts; shoulder clasps; pile of silver dishes; the purse lid and the sword grip and baldric. The Horns in this version of the chamber are very much undersized. This was due to restrictions in place during the 'Foot & Mouth' outbreak at the time the chamber was being replicated and the availability of suitable horn at the time. There is some debate still as to whether the king was buried in a coffin - there are random fittings that suggest this. This would have affected how some of the finds would have been scattered as the coffin collapsed. 625 AD.
The items I made are the shield mounts and boss, and the mounts for the hanging bowl in the corner. 625AD.
Come to think of it, even at this end of the tomb, it too looks a little spartan even though the list of items excavated is very long. 625AD.
Close up of the 'Celtic' bowl and its mounts. Although the bowl is in fact ceramic and not actually bronze, the escutcheons had to be stout enough to hang it on the wall of the tomb. It is in fact probably heavier than the original. 625AD.
The Purse Lid now on the purse bag and hung with linen woven tapes to the King Raedweld's woven linen belt - this in turn was then secured inside the large gold belt buckle which has a void inside it big enough to possibly hold a relic or talisman of some kind. The linen belt may have been embroidered.
Close up of King Raedweld's sword with it's button and pyramidal mounts. 625AD.
Close up of the large shield at the head end of the burial chamber. 625AD.
A more moody shot of the burial chamber for King Raedweld. 625AD.
An Early Saxon Antler double sided comb from Grave 145 Butlers Field, Lechlade. Like all the other combs it is made from Red Deer antler which emphasises how useful antler was in that period. The comb is dated to 600 - 750AD and is 124mm long. The other bone piece if from Grave 133 on the same site and is called a 'Club of Hercules'. Quiet what a Club of Hercules does I do not know. It has a brass suspension ring with three triangular spangles on - sadly, side on in this image. 475 - 600AD. Length of bone 52mm.
A copy of an Iron Bell excavated from Grave 148 Butlers Field, Lechlade. 600 - 750AD. About 88mm wide.
A copy of an Iron Bell excavated from Grave 148 Butlers Field, Lechlade. The clapper is made from a very large billet of iron which ensures it rings rather well. 600 - 750AD. About 88mm wide.
The Bucket or 'Situla' as they were called from Grave 40 (Butlers Field, Lechlade). Made from thin oak staves it is 190mm tall and 230mm in diameter. It holds a gallon comfortably. My first impression and suspicion is that it was used for holding or serving beer. 600 - 750AD.
The Bucket or 'Situla' as they were called from Grave 40 (Butlers Field, Lechlade). This close up details the escutcheon and the manner in which the handle is hooked onto the escutcheon. Also you can see two of the iron bands that pull the structure together. 600 - 750AD. Each band is about 25mm wide.
The Bucket or 'Situla' as they were called from Grave 40 (Butlers Field, Lechlade). The bands compress the whole bucket together. The staves are only 8mm at their thickest and slim down to 4mm and then 3mm at their tops. The base is a single board of oak. 600 - 750AD. Max diameter 230mm.
The main feature in this image of a collection of finds from Butlers Field, Lechlade, is the large hoop in the mouth of the bag. In the Early Saxon period, these were made from sections of Mammoth tusk. This hoop may have been cut from Mammoth finds from this country rather than arriving as an import. Mammoth Ivory is expensive even today - so this was made from a strip of antler soaked and heated into a hoop. The original very degraded find was found in grave 18. Also Panther cowrie shells and a pair of gilded Saucer brooches. Alongside is the brass Thread Box. 600 - 750AD. The Bag Ring is around 150mm in diameter.
The original find of this Late Roman Steelyard was discovered in Morton-in-the-Marsh. The original is over 1 metre in length and was one of a pair at that size. This is a three quarters version now in the Yeovil Museum. About 750mm long.
In this image you can see the mechanism that allows the Steelyard to be used both ways up. This allows greater weights to be measured with the same device. Sadly the pan appears rather flatter in this image than in reality.
The counter weight is a brass cylinder filled with lead to accurately balance the beam.
This rearmost hook (on the upper side) is the hook that is used to measure the greater weights. The double 'S' hook on the end of the steelyard carries the pan into which the goods to be weighed are placed.
A collection of hammers and an axe. Nominally Anglo-Saxon or Viking. The largest is 350mm long.
A length of brocaded and gilded embroidered braid on a background of linen. The art style dates this braid to the Mid Anglo-Saxon period. This is entirely machine made and less than 20 years old. Width 60mm.
A Pagan Saxon period sword with scabbard hilted in black horn and in the grip area with alternate layers of antler. The horn is in itself pinched between sections of brass riveted tight. The whole sword grip is loosely styled on the sword known as the Cumberland hilt. It strikes me that the pommel cap is missing, not that it would have altered the balance of the blade by a great deal. The crossguard is about 100mm wide.
A better plan view of the horn and antler mounted Pagan Saxon sword. The blade is a heavy spatha like piece, made by Tim Noyes. The result is a very blade heavy sword although surprisingly comfortable in the hand. Some of the elements of the design for the grip were taken from a sword find called the 'Cumberland Hilt'. To my mind it does feel that the pommel cap is missing. The scabbard follows the Sutton Hoo find in some regards.
Viking Skates or Ice Runners. Made from Horse leg bones and antler pegs wedged at the back to provide a lashing point. Sadly these are not matched in that they are from the same horse. They are close enough in size, but having used them for some time, I can say that they do get quite achy in use. Eventually the cold from the ice seeps into your foot and is only made worse by that fact that you do not skate with these as there is no edge to push from to get any forward motion. You have to rely upon your iron spike shod sticks to propel yourself forwards. It is also very easy to find yourself moving forwards but facing somewhat sideways to your direction of travel. Good fun none the less. Approximately 280mm long.
The business end of the Ice Runners. The lashings could be more elaborate but these seem to suffice until your feet are plenty cold enough. I still find that my heels do come a bit loose but nothing too uncomfortable.
A rear view of the Viking Ice Runners so that you can see the nature of the lashings to keep the skates attached to the shoes.
In the side view of the Viking Ice Runners, you can see the two separate lashing points. The spare hole in this case was so that a smaller foot could be accommodated. Although they are called Viking, they were found in Anglo-Saxon London too.
An Anglo-Saxon Seax and sheath. It is not replicating a specific find but incorporates all the typical features. They seem to have been worn (at this length of blade) with the cutting edge uppermost. The cutting edge is protected by the riveted copper edge making the sheath very robust and firm. The sheath is decorated with incised linear decoration that too was common in finds of this type. The buckle is bone and quite plain - sadly. Overall length of the seax is approximately 320mm.
The Seax is inlayed with copper geometric patterns.
In close up you can see the inlay in more detail. The inlay is paralleled on the other side of the blade. Blade length about 210mm.
Myself with my nearly ever so closely finished Sutton Hoo helmet. Taken during a shoot for the National Trust's magazine.
Egyptian 'Beer Pots' and a crudely made food bowl from Qurneh. The pots are all burnished and originally had stoppers and individual linen macramé nets surrounding them. In the original find they were then anchored in rows onto a stick. They may have had contained beer, oils and water. Approximately 1500BC. 95mm high. Bowl is about 190mm in diameter.
A pair of Dragonesque cast bronze Roman brooches based on a find from Lamberton Moor, just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed in Scotland. They are coloured with alternate panels of blue and red enamel. Late 1st century AD. Length about 62mm with an iron latch.
A set of Kohl Pots based on the find from Qurneh in Egypt. Made out of turned black marble. The applicators are made of reed. Lids from similar finds are secured with a linen cover tied over the lid just under the rim. Around 1500 BC. About 40mm high.
Roman spearhead of a fairly unremarkable type. Mounted on an Ash shaft. Overall length 210mm. 1st century AD.
Egyptian Polished Bronze Mirrors. Made in two pieces. The cast handle is in the form of a papyrus capital. The disk was originally beaten into shape but cast closer to size in this case. Unsure of the original provenance that the design is sourced from. 1700 BC. Height 205mm.
Egyptian Polished Bronze Mirror. Made in two pieces. The cast handle is in the form of a papyrus capital. The disk was originally beaten into shape but cast closer to size in this case. Unsure of the original provenance that the design is sourced from. 1700 BC. Height 205mm.
Model ready for moulding of an Egyptian Polished Bronze Mirror. Made in two pieces. The carved handle is in the form of a papyrus capital. The disk was originally beaten into shape but cast closer to size in this case. Unsure of the original provenance that the design is sourced from. 1700 BC. Height 205mm.
These Wooden Sandals were in fact never worn by the living. The belonged to a 'Mummy' and were an expedient way of ensuring the dead had some footwear. With all the wrappings they are a broad fit. Often the whole shoe was coated with Gesso giving the leather a 'bark like' appearance. Length 280mm.
A set of wood spindles with linen thread wound on them. The original Egyptian examples had the thread wound over papyrus stalks. Unsure of their original use. 1700 BC. 180mm long.
Egyptian leather sandals styled upon some children’s examples in the British Museum. The original find was sewn with papyrus thread rather than linen which was used in this case. The sole has a simple inscribed pattern upon it. With this pair, we opted to leave the ankle straps so that they could be adjusted. About 1550 BC. Length 250mm.
Egyptian Wooden Mallets. The original example was cut from Palm Wood (these are made out of Iroko) and had been used heavily. Here of course they are quite pristine and ready for use. They are entirely axed from a baulk of timber with the handle integral. Length about 290mm.
Local Cornish Soapstone used to make spindle whorls. Anglo-Saxon. Diameter of the largest is about 40mm.
Egyptian blue Faience press moulded Scarabs. Length about 50mm.
Egyptian blue Faience press moulded Scarab with terracotta mould. Length about 50mm.
Anglo-Saxon/Viking wool Naalbinded socks - styled upon the example found at Jorvik. Size 9.
Anglo-Saxon/Viking wool Naalbinded sock - styled upon the example found at Jorvik. Size 9.
Anglo-Saxon Bronze Toilet set consisting of some tweezers, ear scoop and a tooth pick or nail pick. About 75mm long.
Another large Anglo-Saxon Antler comb replicating a find from Pudding Lane in London. Length 240mm.
An Antler Spindle Whorl following an example found at the site of the Opera House in Covent Garden, London. It is cut and turned from the lowest part of a large antler. Anglo-Saxon. Diameter about 55mm.
These are Anglo Saxon child sized shoes to fit in general an 8 or 10 year old. The style is from a find in Milk Street in London. It is a low fit which is an older tradition but equally makes it a simple fit for school kids to play with as it also features a very exposed vamp area allowing it to fit a wide range of foot fittings which is useful for hands on and handling sessions. There is a wool felt insole purely for the comfort of the modern wearer. Originally plaited straw may have been used as insulation and padding. About 210mm in length.
A Late Saxon Seax (for re-enactment use) in it's scabbard or sheath which was worn it seems across the waist. The suspension method is derived from the 'classic' example found at the Viking Jorvik dig site but here, the leather is decorated in a slightly debased Saxon Winchester style with plant scroll work. The opposite side of the scabbard was also decorated but far more restrained. The carving is done whilst the leather is damp and is not carved as such but impressed with just line-work rather than the later use of tool-work. Total length 470mm.
A wooden wax writing tablet and a bronze stylus tucked into hinges made from leather thong. This Roman piece also sports an official stamp that is branded into the surface of the top leaf. It states in abbreviated Latin 'Issued by the Imperial Procurators of the Province of Britain', along with what might be an issue number at the bottom right. So presumably the document was the possession of an official in the Roman administration - maybe a customs official for instance. 150mm tall.
This Amphora is not a very large example of what the Romans and Greeks used at only 660mm high - they were often more than a metre high. The style of amphora is a Dressel type 1. The amphora has some hand painted Latin cursive script advertising the contents as 'Garum' or fish sauce.
This Amphora is not a very large example of what the Romans and Greeks used at only 660mm high. It is in fact the tallest we can presently make as the kiln is not tall enough to accommodate anything larger. The style of amphora is a Dressel type 1. It has some hand painted Latin cursive script advertising the contents as 'Garum' or fish sauce. The advertising translates as "Titulus Pictus. Liquamen Optimum (or Fish Sauce) from Caetabriga" which was a port in Spain. The name Titulus Pictus sounded like a fine and convincing Garum producer but as I later learned for myself actually means 'Graffiti'. So continues my Classical education. The text is also in truth far too big and was often far more discrete.
This piece is known as the Hockwold diadem and is regarded as a priestly item of headgear. It is in fact a replica of one of five that were found at the site in Norfolk. The temple site was in use from AD200 until the late 4th century AD. The design is repoussé work with soldered or applied plaques of a variety of subjects - here an overflowing vase in thin brass. The headband is adjustable by means of a separate sliding section in the back held in place by a series of clips. All the edges are either turned over to stiffen them or have a corrugation beaten into the brass.
This piece is known as the Hockwold diadem and is regarded as a priestly item of headgear. It is in fact a replica of one of five that were found at the site in Norfolk. The temple site was in use from AD200 until the late 4th century AD. The design is repoussé work with soldered or applied plaques of a variety of subjects. The headband is adjustable by means of a separate sliding (unequal) section in the back held in place by a series of clips - viewed more easily in this image. All the edges are either turned over to stiffen them or have a corrugation beaten into the brass.
The final piece replicated from the Roman Hockwold group was the so called crown. Also made in thin brass and stiffened with corrugations and turned edges. It in itself is crowned with a pointed (and slightly phallic) finial which is reminiscent of the spiked head-dress worn by 'flamines', a priestly college of high status. On all four 'corners', the piece has separate plaques or disks with repoussé faces of what may be a local god of the area which has more British overtones. The front disk is the largest and has the most complete face which brings to mind a bearded and curly headed being. The frame is riveted together and the disks help to disguise the construction, with the final image medallions soldered onto the disk face. The crown may have been worn over a coloured wool cap to add contrast to the piece. The temple site was in use from AD200 until the late 4th century AD and five other diadems were recovered from the dig. Height about 180mm.
A side view of the Hockwold crown. The final piece replicated from the Roman Hockwold group. Also made in thin brass and stiffened with corrugations and turned edges. It in itself is crowned with a pointed (and slightly phallic) finial which is reminiscent of the spiked head-dress worn by 'flamines', a priestly college of high status. On all four 'corners', the piece has separate plaques or disks with repoussé faces of what may be a local god of the area which has more British overtones. The front disk is the largest and has the most complete face which brings to mind a bearded and curly headed being. The frame is riveted together and the disks help to disguise the construction, with the final image medallions soldered onto the disk face. The crown may have been worn over a coloured wool cap to add contrast to the piece. The temple site was in use from AD200 until the late 4th century AD and five other diadems were recovered from the dig. Height about 180mm.
A close up of the construction of the Hockwold crown. See previous images for details.
A close up of the construction of the Hockwold crown and the finial. See previous images for details.
A close up of the construction of the Hockwold crown and the front repoussé disk. See previous images for details.
This is the working model for a stout triangular Roman brooch excavated at Birnie near Elgin in Moray, Scotland. The original has blue enamel diamond shaped panels down the centre front topped off with three bronze globular bosses. The remaining open cells had red enamel in them completing the chequerboard pattern. At the left end of the piece you can appreciate the tail of the brooches catch which prior to casting is straight. This will be bent over after casting to from a proper catch. 2nd century AD. Final cast length 55mm.
This is the working model for a stout triangular Roman brooch excavated at Birnie near Elgin in Moray, Scotland. The original has blue enamel diamond shaped panels down the centre front topped off with three bronze globular bosses (as can be seen in the previous image). The remaining open cells had red enamel in them. At the right end of the piece (pointing towards us) you can appreciate the tail of the brooches catch which prior to casting is straight. This will be bent over after casting to from a proper catch. Also note the hollow at the top end on the left of the piece where the coiled spring and catch fit. It is held in place by an Iron bar rivet. 2nd century AD. Final cast length 55mm.
A group of replicated Roman pots for handling. On the left is a Nene Valley colour-coated cup or beaker. Over the umber brown main slip is a much whiter and thicker slip trailed to form scrolls and 'berries'. About 145mm high. The centre pot is another Nene Valley colour-coated piece with just the combed and dragged marks on its sides in the similar slip. Height 165mm. The flagon on the right is an Oxfordshire red-brown slipped piece with rouletted decoration and bands of pale slip. About 210mm high. Mid 3rd to 4th century AD.
In front of the taller Nene valley piece to the left is a replica of an Oxfordshire colour-coated ware. It is Samianesque with the addition of thick white trailed slip swirls. There are subtle flecks cut into the lower waist of the cup. About 120mm high. The bowl to the left is technically called an Oxfordshire colour-coated and impressed ware piece. It has a rosette design impressed on the body with just the hint of the same below the rim. About 95mm high. Roman 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
A pair of Roman serving dishes. The example on the left is an Oxfordshire parchment ware bowl. It has crude scrolls in a red/brown paint on the interior of the off white body. Diameter about 250mm. The other bowl is an Oxfordshire colour-coated dish. The interior is slipped in white slip and then painted with borders and scrolls. Diameter about 250mm. 3rd to 4th centuries AD.
An Anglo-Saxon oak chest with riveted Iron strap hinges and catches. Also braced with four corner straps. All the major joints are glued and nailed with hand made nails. 110cm long.
Corner detail of the Anglo-Saxon oak chest.
The interior of the Anglo-Saxon oak chest. The oak is 25mm thick and is very stout. The lid alone was 70mm thick to begin with and then hollowed on its underside and curved on the top side. All hand finished with a knife and chisel.
Roman bronze Strigil with a folded handle and punch work foliage pattern on the grip. The image doesn't do justice to the sweeping curve of the business end as it were. Strigils did come in a variety of shapes and curves - and it may well be that owners might have had several in their collection which served different areas of the body. About 220mm long.
Roman Wax tablet and iron stylus with a branded image of the running boar of Legio XX or 20th Legion. About 150mm high.
Roman Tintinnabulum in bronze. It is in essence a Roman wind chime and used as is tinkled to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. This is quite a modest example of a winged phallus as they can be much larger and much more pornographic and vulgar to our modern eyes... This version is taken from an example that was found and bought as a souvenir in Rome in the 19th century - other than that there are no details. The chains and bells were missing from the original. 1st century AD. 80mm long.
Roman Tintinnabulum in bronze. It is in essence a Roman wind chime and used as is tinkled to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. This is quite a modest example of a winged phallus as they can be much larger and much more pornographic and vulgar to our modern eyes... This version is taken from an example that was found and bought as a souvenir in Rome in the 19th century - other than that there are no details. The chains and bells were missing from the original. In this image it is easier to see the 'Fig hand' symbol at the back of the phallus which also added to the pieces potency although depending upon which country you are in today, can also be a huge visual insult. 1st century AD. 80mm long.
A trio of votive or possibly toy Gladii (Roman short swords) in Brass. 50mm long.
Decorated Anglo-Saxon/Viking turn shoes. The vamp area across the top of the foot has parallel lines of dark linen thread sewn into the leather. Not only does it make the foot look longer, but the stitching stiffens the leather at that point preserving the shape. Rather than anchors made with leather toggles, these have just twined thongs to close the shoe.
For the technically minded this antler comb is a single-sided composite bone comb of Norse type, 8 teeth plates held together by a 2 long-sided pieces and 6 iron rivets, Drimore, South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The Vikings often used this slightly hump-backed style of comb that also has what appears to be slightly turned up ends. Here made from Red Deer antler and a tooth for tooth replica. 180mm x 40 mm
Here is a small Saxon shield made to accompany other replicas from Grave 1612 (in which there were no weapons found) at Carisbrooke on the Isle of White. The face is leather covered with a sewn rim. The wood is not Lime wood or Poplar but ply as the piece is to be part of a handling collection. In addition, the shield boss is a stock example and not super accurate although it works well and is solidly riveted to the shield board. The design is pure guesswork but is an extrapolation from another decorative find at the site. Shields of this period are literally half the size of later period Anglo-Saxon shields. Diameter 460mm.
This is the reverse to the same little shield. Note the simple and short Iron grip that is riveted through to the boss on the front. Also the 'key hole' style opening to the interior of the boss - it is also slightly off centre making the shield somewhat 'left-handed' and not universal. Behind the Iron grip is a shaped wooden grip which is somewhat hidden in this image. It is in itself riveted to the Iron grip and then partly bound in situ. The backing on this face is a rough linen glued and sewn in place which makes the board very stiff helping to bond the board into one piece. 460mm in diameter.
Shallow glass bowls are not that uncommon in the wealthier Pagan Saxon graves - and likewise with this piece from Grave 1612 at Carisbrooke. It is believed that they were made in the Meuse valley region of Northern France. Some examples have a Christian message stamped or formed into the side of the bowl. Over a slightly amberish coloured glass there is trailed frail white glass in several spirals up to the thickened rim. 5th to 6th century AD. Height 45mm and diameter 140mm.
One of the most outstanding pieces from Grave 1612 at Carisbrooke is a wooden stave built Situla or bucket. Virtually all of the original wood had decomposed but there was still enough to deduce that the bucket had been made originally from Yew wood and was quite straight sided. What was left was the frame and handle. It had an Iron handle which was secured to a pair of flared bronze escutcheons. The rim of the bucket is also bound in brass and held in place with a series of clips. Below the rim there are five bands of tinned brass with each decorated with regular lines of hundreds of punched repoussé dots. Joining these all together are two vertical untinned but similarly decorated brass strips linking the whole frame. These are physically riveted to the actual bucket. Below the rim are a series of triangular plaques with an enigmatic repoussé face rather like Mr Tumnus from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. 6th century AD. Height to rim is 170mm and the diameter is 160mm.
Pagan Saxon Situla or bucket from Grave 1612, Carisbrooke on the Isle of White. In this image you can appreciate the sequence of the construction as outlined in the previous image. Yew wood is often said to be poisonous which begs the question as to why the Saxons would have used a material like this for a bucket. The truth is that the Taxine toxin is contained in the twigs, seeds and just beneath the bark in the sap layer. So hopefully the hardwood is free of anything toxic. What is more, is that the Saxons already knew this. 6th century AD. Height 170mm to the rim and diameter 160mm.
378. One of the most outstanding pieces from Grave 1612 at Carisbrooke on the Isle of White, is a wooden stave built Situla or bucket. Virtually all of the original wood had decomposed but there was still enough to deduce that the bucket had been made originally from Yew wood and was quite straight sided. What was left was the frame and handle. It had an Iron handle which was secured to a pair of flared bronze escutcheons. The rim of the bucket is also bound in brass and held in place with a series of clips. Below the rim there are five bands of tinned brass with each decorated with regular lines of hundreds of punched repoussé dots. Joining these all together are two vertical untinned but similarly decorated brass strips linking the whole frame. These are physically riveted to the actual bucket. Below the rim are a series of triangular plaques with an enigmatic repoussé face rather like Mr Tumnus from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. 6th century AD. Height to rim is 170mm and the diameter is 160mm.
A horn mount and rim were found in grave 1612 at Carisbrooke, Isle of White. The rim fitted a fairly modest sized horn. The fully turned rim is in silver held in place by silver clips that also hold in place a series of pressings in gilded copper and a lower mount also in silver. The clips and lower mount have a pair of tramlines beaten into them. The overall circumference of the mount is about 270mm. 6th century AD.
A sample of the raw copper pressings for the horn mount from grave 1612 at Carisbrooke. They are ever so slightly curved to accommodate the tapered nature of the horn. The pressings are now being called 'Pressblech' (pressed sheet metal!) from the German term for them - shame - pressings sounds good enough for me. A die with the corresponding pattern is made and the pressings are made directly from the die. 6th century AD. About 85mm long.
There are not many replicas like this - mainly because it is not armour or a weapon. It is a Pagan Saxon (probably) cosmetic or make-up brush (blusher?) from Chessel Down on the Isle of White. It is made of a tapering rolled tube of brass that has been tinned. The only decoration is a group of parallel lines engraved about half way down the tube. There is also a suspension loop at the narrowest end. The actual brush is made from Badger bristles and also has to have a collar of thread bound around them to tighten up the density of the brush head - some that was never found in the original dig - and neither were there any signs of any bristles either. If it wasn't a brush, it really does beg the question as to what the tube was used for. 6th century AD. Overall length 160mm.
Most people will be interested in the sword in this image. To satisfy their interest - it is a replica of the sword found at Chertsey near London and is a Petersen S type. It's quite a large sword at 98.4 cms long. The main feature though in this set of images is the scabbard which hardly ever survives in archaeology. Behind the leather skin there is in fact a wooden scabbard made of oak in this case. This acts as the stiff core to the whole piece and a decision can then be made on how to make the outer cover of the scabbard. I have made several that are covered in layers of linen but this example needed to be a fairly plain sheath of leather. To keep the construction as organic and as simple as it could be - and added to the fact that the sword had actually been found in seemingly isolation from any kind of sheath - the scabbard didn't want to draw too much attention. Even the method of hanging is no more than a series of laced or thonged belts in essence. 10th century AD.
Here is a detail of the front of the hilt area and method of hanging the scabbard of the Chertsey sword. 10th century AD.
The reverse side of the Chertsey Sword and scabbard reveals the sewing method used to skin the wooden core as outlined previously. Note also the number of laces that the belt hanger has been sliced into. The wooden core allows the laces or thongs to be drawn up very tight around the wooden core. On a purely leather scabbard, this would trap the blade. 10th century AD.
This is what the South Cave Sword might have looked like when new. It is part of a group of 5 cached Late Iron Age swords and 33 spearheads covered (or stored) by a large broken Amphora. The sword has a fairly unremarkable blade that is a gentle squashed oval in cross-section and not really long enough to be called a spatha although it does exhibit the characteristics of that type of blade. The hilt is made from Moose antler whereas the original was made from Sperm Whale teeth - which are not an option to use today. The sections in the grip are inter-spaced with ribbed brass collars and capped with a turned brass finial. About 70AD. Overall length 750mm.
This is what the South Cave Sword might have looked like when new. It is part of a group of 5 cached Late Iron Age swords and 33 spearheads covered (or stored) by a large broken Amphora. The sword has a fairly unremarkable blade that is a gentle squashed oval in cross-section and not really long enough to be called a spatha although it does exhibit the characteristics of that type of blade. The hilt is made from Moose antler whereas the original was made from Sperm Whale teeth - which are not an option to use today. The sections in the grip are inter-spaced with ribbed brass collars and capped with a turned brass finial. The mouth of the scabbard has a cast throat in bronze which may have fitted directly to the hilt - with the lower ribbed part being fixed to the mouth of the scabbard. Over a very thin oak sheath, the brass scabbard is made in two front and back sections clamped together. (See next image). About 70AD. Overall length 750mm.
This is what the South Cave Sword might have looked like when new. It is part of a group of 5 cached Late Iron Age swords and 33 spearheads covered (or stored) by a large broken Amphora. The sword has a fairly unremarkable blade that is a gentle squashed oval in cross-section and not really long enough to be called a spatha although it does exhibit the characteristics of that type of blade. The hilt is made from Moose antler whereas the original was made from Sperm Whale teeth - which are not an option to use today. The sections in the grip are inter-spaced with ribbed brass collars and capped with a turned brass finial. Cast bronze elements - some of which are enamelled. The chape is also cast in bronze and helps to clamp the scabbard elements together. About 70AD. Overall length 750mm.
Egyptian Canopic Jars made in pale terracotta ware from Qurneh, used to house various internal organs of the dead. Approximately 1500BC. Around 300mm high.
Egyptian Canopic Jar front with Hieroglyphs made in pale terracotta ware from Qurneh, used to house various internal organs of the dead. Approximately 1500BC. Around 300mm high.
A pair of what apparently appear to be Egyptian Stelae. They are in fact Roman period fakes that have been replicated on wood covered with many layers of gesso. The original, if it had been legitimate proclaimed ownership or that some obligation was owed - it is however complete gibberish. 1st century BC. 410mm high.
Note bulldog clip at neck and also one at the back to ensure the cuirass tailors at the throat. Two layers of Pteruges ensure coverage over the tackle region. I'll need to look carefully as to how they attach so that they don't add too much bulk in the waist. The erstwhile Romans would have added fringing to each pteruge...
The arm hole is roomy by comparison to the neck - but then you need more freedom of movement. I haven't solved the manner in which it will be laced together as yet down the flanks. Until the garment is cut from the thick leather, only then will we see how it wants to lie over the shoulder. The shoulder clasp fret is accurate apart for the thickness. The join over the shoulder may gape initially as the clasps only secure a narrow area whereas the tape pulls it all together neatly. All it needs now is 'R' for Raedwald embroidered on it!
The pteruges happen to curve under in this instance but will be stiffer when sewn up in layers of thinner leather. To date it's comfortable and flattering and doesn't ride up when you sit astride something. The waisting effect encourages the belt to sit fairly high on the waist and may not require any special attachments. I wonder if the gold buckle droops at the front though due to it's weight?
This is suggested pattern on the pteruges rendered in the finest photocopy paper. The ones at the front are to be fretted through with rows of triangles to reveal the paler leather underneath. In addition, the front ones are edged with the paler leather. The ones that run behind are red throughout but minus the pale leather - but still seamed - so no raw cut edges. All pteruges have a pinched seam down their centers sewn into place sideways as on the bag. All of the edges on the cuirass are edged in some way with the pale leather. The tricky ones are the scallops... hope that's clear!?! The center pteruge is a bit carelessly done.
This was the first attempt at a decorated Pteruge. The spine stitching makes it nice and stiff as does the layering. The punch work looks a shade mean to me.... however the real aspect that I don't like is the sewn trim around the end of the item. It is all scrunched up and just plain messy. The plane leather turns out to be more elastic than I'd wished which has complicated matters a little.
The spine is well defined here by the flat light. But it's that end which bugs me. The sewing happens to be one thread thick which also lets it down a bit. It wanders too...
Here are some of the 16 top layer Pteruges completed with larger punched decoration. The ends are more tightly addressed and the thread doubled up to add definition as much as anything. They are at a max of 4 layers thick which I reckon would deflect even a good sword stroke - not spear thrust thought of course. Little would stop one of those. The second tier is only 3 layers thick as proposed here. The decoration is 5mm wide thonged strips in a test strip in the image. The new Pteruge is backed with the red which is then brought around to the front face and will sewn in position to anchor it down. Note that this is only a test piece to prove the method.
Close up of same. The main issue once they have all been completed is how to attach them all to the main armoured cuirass. They will be set in two layers so that the join won't be hugely thick and remain mobile at the waistline. There are also 16 of these.
