File:Medieval pendant in the form of a Tau cross (FindID 842689).jpg

English: Description: Medieval silver gilt pendant in the form of a Tau cross. It exhibits an oval suspension loop at the top, worn noticeably thin at the apex. The face of the T is engraved with a line border. Each arm exhibits an engraved foliate design; in the centre of each is a silver pellet. Just below the suspension loop are three engraved lines. The reverse of the object is plain except for two tooled surface marks.

Dimensions: Length: 14.4mm, maximum width: 11.8mm, minimum width: 2.2mm, thickness: 2mm, weight: 1.1g.

Date: c. AD 1450 - 1550.

Discussion: A number of similar examples have been reported as Treasure and a recorded on the PAS database including: YORYM-96F498 (2015 T235), HESH-1D0A92 (2011 T931) & SUR-7D27D6 (2010 T96). The latter bears the closest similarity to the current example, with silver pellets positioned at the terminals of the T, although it must be noted that the Surrey example is hollow. The record notes a rather more elaborate cross from Winteringham, Lincolnshire, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art which appears to have originally been fitted with pearls. An engraved Tau cross pendant from North Lincolnshire (LIN-D1EFDA / 2014 T491) exhibits engraved symbols of the wounds of Christ in the same position as the pearls, suggesting that this example may be a simplified version missing two of the five wounds.

The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and appears to be over 300 years old. Consequently, in terms of both age and precious metal content, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.