Colonsay, Machrins
Findspot (20th Century), Pin (Norse)
Site Name Colonsay, Machrins
Classification Findspot (20th Century), Pin (Norse)
Canmore ID 132441
Site Number NR39SE 122
NGR NR 361 936
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/132441
- Council Argyll And Bute
- Parish Colonsay And Oronsay
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Argyll And Bute
- Former County Argyll
NR39SE 121 361 936
NR 361 936 Found by Mr James Hendry while metal detecting on the old 'Sports Field' at Machrins Farm, Colonsay. The pin is a fine example of the type classified by Fanning as plain-ringed, polyhedral-headed pins, probably dated to the mid-10th century. The head is decorated with a single dot on the lower angle of each main facet, and there appears to be further decoration on the faces (saltire motif?). There is also well-preserved decoration on the lower shank, including both stepped and running chevron motifs. On the top of the head there is a small patch of organic material, almost certainly the remains of textile. Dimensions: length 165mm; diameter of ring: 18mm.
The pin was claimed as Treasure Trove and allocated to National Museum of Scotland (NMS NMS IL 970).
National Museums of Scotland 1995.
