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Description: | Cast copper alloy suspension bar with decorative moldings, probably from a purse of later medieval date (1400-1550). The suspension bar is sub rectangular in plan with a sub rectangular fitting at one end and a rounded suspension loop at the other. It has a varied cross section which is sub-oval at the top, octagonal in the centre and sub-rectangular at the base. It measures 88mm in length, 12.7mm width and is 10.2mm thick. It weighs 22.44 grams.
The decoration on the suspension bar is varied and includes cast moldings and incised designs. The suspension loop at the top of the bar is plain. Beneath this is an area of cast moldings that consists of four horizontal sub-oval ribs. Under this decoration is the octagonal cross sectioned bar which terminates with another four horizontal (turned) ribs. Below these moldings is a sub rectangular panel with incised decoration. This consists of a diagonal cross (saltire) above a double incised horizontal band. This lower area is V shaped in cross section and covered with an orange corrosion deposit. This suggests that it was attached to or by an iron fitting. Remains of this fitting can be seen in the crook of the V and consists of a badly deteriorated piece of laminated metal.
The suspension bar is a mid green colour with an even polished patina which covers all surfaces. There is very little wear on the bar and what wear there is, is located at either end, near the loop of the V shaped terminal. A direct parallel for this suspension bar has not been found. Similar bars can be seen in the Museum of London Medieval Catalogue. It is suggested here that these bars are longer than the depth of the purse frame. It is suggested that this example probably fits best with examples shown in sub-category A6, however, many of these are made of iron rather than copper alloy. These examples are dated to the late fifteenth century.
Thanks are extended to Mike Stokes, Curator at Rowleys House Museum Shrewsbury for the identification and information provided in this report. | Subjects: | Suspension Bar | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Reavill, Peter - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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