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Scissor (Fld-221) One of a number of scissors and shears found in many areas, and dating throughout the 17th century.

Broken windowpane (Fld-417) Broken windowpane from the Kirke house midden, which indicates the upper-class nature of the dwelling. What appears to be a scratched inscription near the center is indecipherable.

Fragments of crucibles and cupels (Fld-421) Fragments of crucibles and cupels, found in the earliest layers of the waterfront warehouse, indicate that an alchemist, or goldfiner, was assaying local rocks in a search for precious metals during the first years of the Avalon settlement.

Tally stick (Fld-446) This notched stick from the privy is a tally stick, commonly used for record-keeping during the 17th century.

Ornate iron cross (Fld-077) Ornate iron cross which has the interior of the orbs, and the socket into which a wooden shaft was fitted, lined with brass. Traces of gold on the surface indicate that the cross was once gilt. Its origin remains a mystery. It was in the forge at the time it was destroyed around the mid-17th century.

Detail of iron cross (Fld-344) Detail of iron cross, showing traces of gold in the central portion.

Walking stick (Fld-082) Walking stick of English holly (ilex aquifolium), brought from the British Isles and discarded in the privy about mid-century. A perforation in the upper end probably once held a leather thong.

Fragment of a pewter tobacco pipe (Fld-160) Fragment of a pewter tobacco pipe from the waterfront. It probably once had a wooden stem.

Fragments of red clay pipes (Fld-247) Fragments of red clay pipes manufactured in Virginia or elsewhere in the Chesapeake, which probably arrived at Avalon with shipments of tobacco.

Mouth harp (Fld-454) Mouth harp found on the floor of the cowhouse destroyed in 1696.

©1999, James Tuck
Archaeology Unit, Memorial University of Newfoundland