British, glass, 13th to 15th century
Glass linen smoothers, or ‘slick stones’, appear from the Viking period well into the 19th century. We can tell from its relatively smooth surface on both sides that this one is medieval. From the 16th century onwards linen smoothers had thick handles projecting from the back, but in earlier centuries they were held in the palm of the hand, so both sides could be used. They were not heated like modern irons but used cold on damp cloth to smooth delicate areas like collars and cuffs.
A large section of the surface of this linen smoother is missing, revealing the raw glass underneath. The break probably happened while the smoother was underground. All objects are more likely to corrode if they have been buried in damp soil, but glass is particularly vulnerable. Moisture causes the glass to laminate (split into layers), which can then become detached.
From the Pevensey Castle collection.
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