The ornate silver buckle found by David Reed while metal detecting near Penrith has been officially declared treasure under the Treasure Act 1996. The buckle, dating back to at least the post-mediaeval period, met the criteria of being over 300 years old and composed of more than ten per cent precious metal.
Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, presided over the treasure inquest held at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court. The buckle, a fine rectangular silver shoe or knee buckle with elaborate molded open-work decoration, was examined by the British Museum after Mr Reed reported his discovery to the local finds team.
Reading out an overview statement submitted by finds liaison officer Pauline Clarke, Dr Shaw noted the hallmarked chape with a ‘B’ surmounted by a crown, indicating a possible date range between 1600 and 1700. Concluding that the buckle indeed met the criteria for treasure, Dr Shaw praised the object as a very fine piece.
While the exact location of the find and land ownership remains undisclosed, it is expected that the landowner will receive a share of the proceeds of the treasure along with the finder. The discovery of such a historically significant and valuable item highlights the importance of responsible metal detecting and reporting of potential treasures.
