Description: Post Medieval silver cufflink, one of a pair, formed of two circular discs with downturned rims and loops on the back joined by an oval link. On the front of each disc is a raised design of a heart with a small flame rising from the top and two arrows in saltire behind it. The raised design is surrounded by a stippled background within a raised circular line border. Corresponding recessed areas on the back suggest the design was stamped. The downturned edges are torn and distorted in places. The loops on the back are semi circular and formed of circular sectioned drawn wire soldered onto the discs. The link is also formed of circular sectioned drawn wire with the ends neatly soldered together. There is no visible makers mark.

Dimensions: The less damaged end is 13.9mm in diameter, 4.8mm thick including the loop and 2.6 excluding. The distorted end is of similar diameter and thickness. The link is 13.5mm long and 1.3mm in cross section. It weighs 1.96 grams in total.

Discussion: Many similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Scheme Database and reported through the Treasure process, e.g. ESS-BD57D3 (2010 T752), YORYM-2C3C87 (2011 T240) and ESS-0934B2 (2010 T570).

Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Laura Burnett Somerset FLO October 2011