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Description: | A slightly corroded copper-alloy hollow-ended strap-end or scabbard belt mount of medieval date. A similar artefact, from Cornwall, is highlighted in the Portable Antiquities Scheme Annual report of 2005/6 (pp. 93, CORN-F8A740) and is dated to the 15th century, based on evidence of an excavated parallel from London.
The strap-end is hollow thoughout and has probably been cast as two pieces - the main section and the flat backplate. The left hand side (as you look at it) comprises a thin rectangular 'box' section, into which the leather strap would have originally slotted. The left hand end is open and the upper vertical edge is decoratively scalloped. The upper surface has an incised decorative panel containing three letters, which are unclear but may be 'IhS', or possibly 'IhC', both of which are thought to be monograms of 'Jesus'. The field surrounding the letters is infilled with incised cross-hatching. There is an incised horizontal border at the top and one at the bottom, and the cross-hatched areas are gilt. Just in from the centre of the left hand vertical edge is a small circular rivet hole; this is mirrored by a second rivet hole in the backplate. Situated at the right hand end of the rectangular section, and intruding slightly into it, is a lozenge-shaped section. A second, larger rivet hole, located on the back plate, reveals this section also to be hollow. Extending from underneath the lozenge-shaped section is a heavily stylised bird-like head, which tapers towards a terminal loop (designed to represent a beak) and has large moulded eyes. Apart from the two aforementioned rivet holes, the backplate is plain; it is slightly damaged at the left hand end.
The artefact measures 39.4mm long, 17.4mm wide and 6.8mm thick. The weight is 12.18g. | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Watters, Julian - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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