English: Cast lead bi-faced plaque of modern date (1857-1870). The plaque is one of a number which are known commonly as ‘Billy and Charley’s’ or the ‘Shadwell Forgeries.’ They were produced as a series of fake antiquities in direct response to the growth of the antiquities market in the Victorian period.

This example is bi-faced. On one side is a radiate crowned bust facing right. The bust has an elaborate brooch formed from pellets, on either side of the figure are the letters CS. This image is contained within a circle. On the outer edge of the circle are a series of letters and numbers including the date; 1030. The opposite face has the bust of a knight with the helm raised, facing right. There is also a series of letters around the outside edge of the design. On the upper edge is a small cast lead loop. The condition of the piece is relatively poor and the metal has started to corrode and laminate. This has distorted the design and the lower edge of one face. This example measures 112.6mm length, 93.1mm width, is 3.3mm thick and weighs 150.53 grams.

For more information on these artefacts see http://www.mernick.co.uk/B&C/index.htm