Page 24 - Oundle Life January 2024

ANY OLD IRON
in the Oundle Museum
These three objects we have in the Museum collection demonstrate the importance of conservation in archaeological finds. Iron
is one of the most difficult substances to preserve, being prone to rusting or oxidisation in nearly every situation, be it in soil, water, or even in a normal slightly damp atmosphere. The only way to prevent it is to exclude exposure to the air completely by using a sealant after careful and thorough cleaning.
Ladies muff percussion pistol with a screw on barrel (top of page)
The pistol was found in Laxton’s Brook which runs through the centre of the village. The wooden handle has rotted away and the movement is corroded. Date: probably mid 19th century.
We leave you to guess why it was thrown into the brook!
Pony
shoe with
three nails
remaining
and half
an ox shoe
(above and
right)
Because the
ox has cloven
hooves the
shoes are in
two halves.
Date of both
objects: 1400-1450 AD. Found in Glapthorn on the site of a 15th century pottery kiln.
24
Gill Johnston,
Management Committee Member www.oundlemuseum.org.uk