Another ‘magnificent year’ for Treasure Trove

The report covers the period 1 April 2014 - 31 March 2015. It comments on Treasure Trove matters dealt with by the QLTR and by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP).

Catherine Dyer, the QLTR, said: “Another magnificent year for Treasure Trove resulting in some outstanding finds being displayed in breathtaking museum collections around Scotland.

“This would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, the National Museums of Scotland, the Treasure Trove Unit and the QLTR office and hundreds of members of the public who report their finds and assist in preserving our nation’s history.”

This year’s report includes details and pictures of finds of:

An Iron Age (1st-2nd century AD) Torc and Brooch, Nairn, Highland.

This impressive bronze torc (intended to be worn around the neck) is the first of its type found in Scotland, and the appearance indicates a locally made item that resembles those found elsewhere in the British Isles. It is a highly complex object, made from both cast and twisted bronze and the wear on the inside indicates it was used extensively.

The brooch is also a significant find, a native form that has clearly evolved from the far smaller and plainer Roman brooches into a massive and highly decorative style. It has been cast in a very complex manner, and is heavily decorated with red and yellow enamel cells.

A 16th century Toilet Implement, Cupar, Fife.

A silver nail cleaner, now broken at the suspension loop but otherwise intact. The cleaner has been engraved along one side with the motto ‘PRENES+EN+GRE’ for the French prenez en gre, or ‘accept with gratitude’, an abbreviated form of the phrase ‘accept with gratitude the gift of him who loves you’.

This form of words is commonly associated with objects given as a romantic gift. As an item that would be worn as much as an item of jewellery this object is an interesting illustration of the manner in which fashion, hygiene and cleanliness began to be seen as interlinked. Allocated to Fife Cultural Trust.

A 15th century Gold Finger Ring, Loch Leven, Perth & Kinross.

A substantial gold finger ring with the bezel set for a stone, although this is now missing.

The exterior of the hoop is engraved with the inscription ‘mat m memeto mei’, a contraction or variation on the common ‘mater dei, memento mei’, or ‘Mother of God, remember me’.

The ring is undoubtedly a high quality piece that would represent a challenge to the medieval goldsmith and in both complexity and form this is an unusual survival in a Scottish context.