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Ottoman Empire, Lead Cylinder, Battle of Gorjani, ca. 1537

Lead; 33mm tall x 19mm top x 23mm bottom

Description/ As noted above, this slightly flared cylinder is covered with a floral motif of vines and leaves, and cross-hatching at the bottom.

Seller's Note/ Ground-found at site of the Battle of Gorjani (see the map), this artifact was crushed flat and, at first, we believed is was a seal of some sort. (see the 2nd photo). But not firmly convinced, we sent it to master smith, David Roeder, for his restoration, and here is the result.

So, what is it, you ask? We have no clue whatsoever other than it was perhaps affixed to a rod or staff of some sort carried by either an army officer or an elite functionary. Or perhaps something as mundane as the bottom of a riding crop or a fly whisk! Either way, it was somehow lost and forgotten on the battle ground until now.