A post-Mediaeval silver shoe or knee buckle unearthed in north Cumbria has formally been declared treasure.
Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard how a metal detectorist was on land near Penrith, on November 20 2022, when he found a rare item which he reported as potential treasure.
It was submitted to the British Museum for examination. And a report produced by a finds liaison officer for Lancashire and Cumbria was summarised by assistant Cumbria coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw during a short hearing.
“The overview statement is that this is a fine and near complete rectangular silver shoe or knee buckle with elaborate moulded open work decoration. The corners are decorated with open work scrolls which extend to the centre,” said Dr Shaw.
Outlining more of the intricate detail, Dr Shaw also noted: “In the centre, at either end of the spindle, the buckle is surmounted with spheres. It appears to be a one-piece buckle rather than one with a drilled spindle.
“The spindle itself is partly covered by a sheaf on the shape. The rear of the buckle plate is flat and undecorated. The chape (buckle pin) is present and an iron rivet is present possibly retaining with some fabric.”
Research has concluded that the buckle —17mm long, 16mm wide and weighing 4.07g — is at least 300 years old, possibly a little older.
“The chape is hallmarked with a ‘B’ surmounted by a crown. This is not ready identifiable as a maker’s mark or date mark and there are no other hallmarks,” said Dr Shaw of what he called a fine buckle.
It appeared to have a composition of more than 10 per cent precious metal, and therefore met criteria contained in the Treasure Act 1996.
“I’m happy to declare this buckle as treasure,” said the coroner. “We have detailed ownership of the land that the buckle was found upon and the map indicating its presence but that information is not generally released in treasure inquests, nor is the owner of the land.
“The owner of the land, though, generally takes share of any proceeds of treasure with the finder.”