Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/389

 THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. 305 jtlougliod, but tlic chalk is su near the surface, that the suil had heeu only disturlicd superficially. The remains of two skeletons were found at the same time. The objects found, exhibited by permission of John Monins, Esq., and since presented by that gentleman to the British Museum, comprise two iron spear-heads, a single-edged iron coutcl, the iron ferule of a spear, as supposed (length, G in.), a curious ornament of gilt metal, probably intended to be fi.ved upon leather ; it is set with imitative gems of a rich red colour ; and a bronze buckle. The weapons precisely resemble those discovered by Mr. Wylie in Gloucestershire : and similar ornaments were there found, near the wrists of a skeleton. (Fairford Graves, plates ix. xi.) By the Hon. W. Fox Strangways. — A silver ring with a wreathed hoop, found on the coast of Dorsetshire, near Abbotsbury. The facet is circular and the impress is a merchant's mark terminating in a cross above. (See woodcut.) Below is seen, on one side, a lion's or leopard's face, and on the other the letter i. Date, about 1450. By Mr. Dawes. — A matrix, formed of a kind of hard shale, resembling petrified wood ; described as found near Wigan, and appearing by the legend to have been the seal of Oswold de Bolton. By Mr. Hewitt. — A stone celt, a spur of curious form, and a remark- able head-piece, of which he gave the following description ; it has recently been added to the Tower Collection : — " This lielmct, which is of the form prevalent about the end of the six- teenth century, is one of the most beautiful examples of metal-chasing ever seen in this country ; scarcely inferior either in design or execution to the well-known Shield preserved at Windsor Castle. It appears to be of Italian workmanship, and from the extreme elaboration of the ornament, may have been the prize of a tourney, or a choice gift from prince to prince. It is a close helmet, having visor and beevor, and is formed in six pieces. The surface is divided by intertwining bands into compartments of various sizes. The bands, cnriclied with a scroll pattern, have been gilt ; the remainder left white. The compartments are filled with figures, grotesques, or fruit and flowers. One of the largest groujis represents the favourite subject of the conflict of the Centaurs and Lapitba;. The young Hercules strangling the serpent, and Andromeda chained, are among the other mythological compositions. A variety of contests of foot and horse are represented on different parts of the casque, but the costume being of the classic mode, we learn nothing from them of the aspect and tactics of the warriors of the day. The grotesques exhibit wonderful fancy, and have all the most delicate finish. Every portion of the surface is covered with work of equal execution ; not only those parts which, when the helmet is closed, remain in view, but those also which at such a time are hidden by over- lapping pieces." By Mr. W. J. Berniiard Smith. — Two powder-flasks, one of stag's horn, carved with subjects in relief ; the other of goat's or ram's horn, with a spanner for turning the mechanism of the wheel-lock. By Mr. Henry Crow. — A basket-hilted sword, bearing on each side of the blade a medallion portrait, inscribed — 'General Oliver Cromwell.' On one side are also the following device and mottos ; — an arm wielding a falchion