Medieval hair pin in the shape of a dog’s head unearthed in Shropshire field is declared treasure

A detailed report into the item prepared by Peter Carey, a treasure finds liaison assistant, was read out at a treasure inquest at Shropshire Coroner’s Court, Guildhall, Shrewsbury.

It described the find as “an incomplete, early medieval silver zoomorphic decorated hair pin” - zoomorphic meaning designed in animal form.

Mr Carey said: “Only the head of the hair pin and 18.5mm of the pin itself remains.

“The head is roughly ovular in plan and O-shaped in cross-section.

“It is in the shape of a stylised dog’s head, with flattened ears running parallel to each other along the top surface, followed by two ovular eyes in which are the settings for two stones.

“One setting still retains the black glass paste gem resembling a pupil.

“The top surface of the head then curves downwards towards the snout of the dog, with two flaring nostrils protruding from the end.

“The sides of the head are perforated by a central hole in the mouth of the dog which may have been used to fasten the pin to something so as not to lose it.

“The underside of the head is smooth and undecorated.

“One side of the head is a uniform, dull silver colour. The other side shows evidence of filling, with straight scratches with a developed patina visible running the length of the head and pin.

“Evidence of a collar at the connection point between the head and the pin can be seen.

“The pin itself is copper-alloy, with a thin sheet of silver wrapped around it.

“The silver sheet has been abraded and is missing in parts, along with the collar.”

The hair pin is 43 millimitres long, 5.9mm wide, 3.8mm thick and weighs 2.2 grams.

Mr Carey added: “Pins are a well-known dress accessory of the Middle-Saxon period. They are known to sport a variety of terminals.

“Based on the shaft protruding from the base of the head, the object was most likely a decorative hair pin.”

He said it resembles a number of Anglo-Scandinavian hair pins previously discovered in the UK.

As the find is more than 300 years old and has a precious metal content of more than 10 per cent, Heath Westerman, deputy coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, declared it treasure.