Photographer's note: 'The pin is of a type which appeared after the Norman conquest. Spherical heads are common, but it is likely that the pineapple carving is rare. This also helps with dating - if the carving is of a pineapple. Pineapples are a fruit of the New World and therefore this pin must have a post 1493 date. Sir Walter Raleigh explored the new world in the 1590's and early 17th century. The pin may have been a decorative accessory worn by a member of his household which paid homage to his exploration achievements.'
This is part of the Job: 2K/24194 Artefacts, Sherborne Old Castle, Castleton, Dorset; within the Volume: VF000185 English Heritage/Historic England Collections And General Object Photography; within the Series: HEC01/024 English Heritage/Historic England Collections; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Baker, Steven: Historic England
Castle, Archaeology And Excavations