This elaborately carved handle, dating back to the medieval period from the 13th to the 15th century, was discovered during excavations conducted by the archaeology department of the Winchester Museum Service. The find site was a field located east of Wickham Square, opposite St. Nicholas Church, and the discovery was made in the mid-to-late 1970s.
In an era before the widespread use of modern materials like bakelite and plastic, tool handles were typically crafted from organic substances such as bone, horn, or wood. While many of these organic materials do not preserve well in the ground and are thus rarely found at archaeological sites, bone handles, such as this one from Wickham Manor, are more commonly encountered.
This particular handle exhibits intricate carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. Additionally, it appears that the handle was wrapped with copper alloy wire, possibly as an improvised repair. Such discoveries provide valuable insights into the tools and craftsmanship of the medieval era and shed light on the practices and technologies of the time.