Gaulcross Hoard Handpin

Gaulcross Hoard handpin. 

This bronze pin is based on the silver handpin from the Gaulcross hoard, which was first discovered in 1838, near the village of Fordyce, Aberdeenshire. More recent work on the site has shown that the hoard originally contained a large quantity of coins and hacksilver as well as the pin, chain, and arm-ring. 

This style of pin is one that is known from Britain and Ireland in the 5th and 6th centuries, and features three triple spiral designs on its semi-circular face, with a red enamel background. There are three pellets above this, the central pellet is decorated with a seven pointed star design, with red enamel between the points.  The enamel of the original has obscured some of the raised metal of the design, which is replicated on our reproduction as a by-product of the manufacturing process. 

The pin itself has a right angled shape, which helps to secure the pin to a cloak or kilt, as when the pin is pushed through woollen fabric, the right angled section drops through the fabric, making it very unlikely to move. The pin itself is 4mm thick, so will make a permanent hole in any fabric it is used with. If using it to fasten a cloak or kilt, this makes it easy to find the holes again when it has been removed. 

We are casting each one of these pins in tin bronze, using a solid master model carved in bone, and the same method used for casting the originals that has been meticulously reconstructed using archaeological evidence from the early mediaeval era, so each one will have small differences due to the casting process. They are cast and finished by hand so please allow 30 days for delivery. If you require this item quickly please contact us to check on stock availability. 

Bronze Weight: 27g

Pin Length: 142mm