No value has yet been put on the pewter pot

The pewter pot, which is described as being very rare by archaeologists, was discovered during work on the new flood defence scheme at Ottery St Mary.

Pewter was very costly in the 17th Century, so few were made and just a handful have survived.

Other items found include dress-making pins and cow horns, but archaeologists say the pot is the most important.

Steve Reed, from Exeter Archaeology, said: "If you had one that was damaged or wasn't needed anymore it would be reused.

"This means these artefacts are quite rare because they don't survive, it's a reusable material."

No value has yet been put on the pewter pot.

Once it has been cleaned up by specialists it will go on public display.