Old silver pendant declared treasure

A PIECE of silverware from more than 300 years ago found in Hambleden has been declared treasure.

The small pendant, believed to date to the first half of the 17th century, was found by metal detectorist Joanna White on the Hambleden Estate in April 2019.

Now a coroner has confirmed that it is treasure as it fulfils the criteria stipulated in the Treasure Act of 1996.

Speaking at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court, Buckinghamshire coroner Crispin Butler said the figurine was 10 per cent precious metal and more than 300 years old.

Ms White had found the item while searching the land with permission from the owner. She reported it to the British Museum and Sophie Hawke, a finds liaison officer, investigated.

Her report reads: “The pendant is lozengiform in plan and shows the figure of a seated female, facing.

“The figure appears on both sides, although the front and rear are not identical. The pendant has an integral sub-rectangular loop at the apex with circular piercing.

“There is a casting seam around the edge of the object and the figure is rather crudely executed.”

“The pendant is post-medieval in a diamond shape with a female, front-facing, three-dimensional figure. It is 24.2mm tall, 11.9mm wide, 6.4mm thick and weighs 5.75g.

“No parallel for this find has been identified but the form of the pendant and fact the figure seems to be wearing a stacked ruff around the neck suggests that it dates to between AD 1500 and 1600.

“The British Museum is to deal with matters of acquisition and valuation.”