English: A complete copper alloy and lead steelyard weight dating to the medieval period. The weight is roughly conical with a rounded base and flat peak that narrows into the triangular suspension loop. There are three moulded grooves or collars around the top of the weight but no other decoration, such as shields (often of Richard, Earl of Cornwall) which are often seen (Ward-Perkins 1954:172-3). The steelyards were cast in copper alloy then through a hole in the bottom the correct amount of lead was poured in to achieve the desired weight (ibid.). In this case the weight weighs 3kg, which is very heavy for weights of this period, and one must wonder what it was that was being weighed. Steelyard weights were made on behalf of Edward I (AD 1272-1307), however copies were made; as this example does not bear any arms it is probably an unofficial copy. Most steelyards of this type date to the 13th century AD; the use of the steelyard was banned in 1350.