Finds Tray – Ear scoop

This medieval ear scoop was found by a metal-detectorist near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, and has recently been submitted under consideration for Treasure status according to the 1996 Treasure Act. One end of the 43mm-long object has been flattened and hollowed out to form the scoop, while the other flat, square end could have been used as a toothpick or nail cleaner. There is no suspension loop, so it might have been kept safely in some kind of box or bag. While this is a practical item, it is also highly decorative, made from silver with partial gilding, and its barley-twist shaft has a rare Z-twist. Further ornamentation has been achieved by using a punch (employed at an oblique angle