Medieval Iron Fire Starter Group

Comprising hook-ended examples together with one square-ended example. 8 kg total, 25-48 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

During the Roman period chopping tools such as cleavers were predominantly used whilst during the medieval period knives and cleavers were the preferred tools for butchering carcasses. Cleavers were also often depicted in medieval art as having riveted handles. Such handles made a cleaver more durable, whilst using steel as a component of the blade made it last longer.

Of vesica shape and bearing the central device of a crouching squirrel with tail raised over its back and inscribed incuse and reversed +S'IO+h'IS+DE D+VhTO which may be interpreted as Seal of John of Duhto [an uncertain place or abbreviation of a place name]; the presence of multiple crosses within the inscription which do not appear to divide words is unusual; with raised loop to the reverse. 5.79 grams, 25 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in the former grounds of the preceptory at Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, Lincolnshire, UK, by Steve Lane at 1pm on Sunday 5th February 2023. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report reference SWYOR-17DA60.

Vesica-shaped seal matrices are often associated with the clergy or others with religious connections so this matrix could be directly associated with the Knights Templar preceptory at Temple Bruer (founded in reign of Henry II) where it was found, or with a Templar visitor there; the appearance of four crosses to the inscription, in place of the more usual single cross at the start/finish of the wording (in this case at the head of the squirrel), is unusual and may be linked to the particular significance of crosses to the Knights Templar members.

Composed of tools, fittings, cleavers, sickles, spurs, rowels and various other miscellaneous artefacts. 5.9 kg total, 15-35.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The spurs in this group can be identified and chronologically dated due to the multipoint rowels, which are typical of mid-late 15th century A.D. The rapid development of the armour in 15th century did not influence the trend for necks of rowel-spurs to considerably increase in length, a style which persisted well into the first half of 16th century A.D.