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Report of the Portable Antiquities Scheme 2015

The work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) has been highlighted in this journal since 2005, and an introduction to the organisation can be found in those reports. In 2015, 19,757 objects dating to the post-medieval and modern periods were recorded by the PAS in 16,133 records. This represented 29% of all objects, an increase in both objects and proportion from 2014, reversing a trend of several years. The major functional categories (calculated by object) were: currency (coins and tokens) (31%), dress accessories (16%), arms and armour (11%), trade equipment (including jettons) (8%), vessels (7%), animal (including equestrian) equipment (4%) and household fittings (2%). The PAS has always had to be selective in what it records, with restricted recording of post-1700 material. Recently, with stand-still funding and the increase in material offered for recording, it has had to prioritise further, focusing on items with the highest archaeological potential. Guidance has recognised the existing situation in most southern and eastern counties by explicitly stating the PAS will be selective in recording post-1540 material,1 continuing its historic emphasis on hand-made objects over those massor industrially produced. However, Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) are still encouraged to use their local knowledge to record items of importance to the archaeological record in their county and of high research potential, as well, of course, as recording Treasure items. This ensures significant quantities of post-medieval finds will continue to be recorded by the PAS; researchers are encouraged to engage with the PAS locally and nationally to emphasise the importance of PAS material for specific research topics. Many post-medieval finds are both noteworthy and provide potential for further research, both into the objects and their context, and a few are highlighted here.