Artifact Medieval

Lead tag (Mediterranean origin)

Pre-15th century

Lead tag with Mediterranean origin found near Smith's Cove wharf structure
Lead tag (Mediterranean origin) — Pre-15th century
Photo: The HISTORY Channel
Location Smith's Cove, near wharf structure (Lot 20)
Discovered Season 7 (2019)
Date Range 1400 AD – 1499 AD
Category Artifact
Era Medieval

About This Artifact

Impure lead with 2% tin, 2% antimony; highest tin ratio seen by analyst; lead not of North American origin; mined in Mediterranean (Italy/France/Spain)

Historical Context

Gary Drayton; Dr. Chris McFarlane laser ablation

Where It Was Found

Found at Smith's Cove, near wharf structure — the north shore of Oak Island where the flood tunnel system was discovered.

More Discoveries

Other finds from Smith's Cove and the Medieval era

Smith's Cove timber structures (Blankenship, 1969-70)
Medieval

Smith's Cove timber structures (Blankenship, 1969-70)

C14: oak peg ~860 AD (720-1000); beam ~1135 AD (1025-1245)
Coconut fibre (Smith's Cove)
Medieval

Coconut fibre (Smith's Cove)

C14 dated: ~810 AD (780-840 AD, WHOI AMS, 1995-96)
Lead cross
Medieval

Lead cross

Pre-15th century; possibly 900-1300 AD
Stone and cement foundation (Smith's Cove)
Colonial

Stone and cement foundation (Smith's Cove)

Undated (pre-1795 based on context)
Oak leaf and acorn (Restall collection)
Pre-Discovery

Oak leaf and acorn (Restall collection)

Pre-1795 (recovered circa 1960s)
Lead spoon handle
Colonial

Lead spoon handle

Colonial era
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