ABSTRACT
In February 1981, an isolated grave was excavated in a gravel-pit at Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, England. Quantities of metal and some glass were observed, and removed for investigation under laboratory conditions. Conservation revealed the original forms of many individual items, and showed that scrap metal and broken bits of glass had also been deliberately included in the assemblage. Some metallurgical and other analyses were undertaken, but further work as part of a wider programme remains a possibility. The objects include a range of metalworking tools: hammers, punches, files, a 'draw-plate', snips and tongs. The function of some iron objects has not been identified, such as two small cones. Various small iron bars and rods were presumably scrap metal. The range of copper alloy included Roman coins probably used as weights, scales-pans, and scabbard studs made on the Continent, an openwork disc from the upper Rhine, engraved strips and a possible silk-wrapped 'amulet', as well as scrap.
