1908.64.3

Collection type

Object

Description

Pin-makers rest also known as a "pinner's bone" made from an ox or cow metacarpal. [SM (Verve) 16/3/2016]

Long description

Ox or cow metacarpal used as a pin makers rest. One end has been cut square. The area below this has been carved and is square sectioned. It narrows to a 'waist' before widening out into the rest of the bone which is unworked. The square end has several grooves on all sides. [SM (Verve) 16/3/2016]

Geographical reference

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Europe > Northern Europe > United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

England London

Person

Maker Unknown Maker

Field collector Unknown Collector

PRM source Stevens Auction Rooms

Date / Period

Date made: 1500-1700 Archaeological period: Medieval Archaeological period: Post-Medieval

Date collected

By 1908

Acquisition information

Purchased: 1908

Materials and processes

Material Cattle Bone Animal, Process Carved, Process Grooved

Dimensions

Width: max 59 mm, Length: max 183 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1908.64.3

Research and responses

Please note: The Geographical card catalogue entry for this object describes it as Romano-British, however, according to A MacGregor (A MacGregor, 1985. "Bone Antler Ivory and Horn The Technology of Skeletal Materials Since the Roman Period", p.171) pinner's bones date to the Medieval and Post Medieval period. I have therefore amended the cultural group. MacGregor notes that that tools were used from before the mid 16th century until the late 18th century when the process then became mechanised. [SM (Verve) 5/10/2016]

Search terms: Tool