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Description: | Cast copper alloy hooked strap fitting of probable medieval or post-medieval date (1400-1600). The strap fitting is sub-rectangular in plan and semi-circular (D shaped) in cross section. It measures 46.1mm in length, 10.9mm width and is 3.8mm thick. It weighs 5.49 grams. The fitting has been damaged at both terminals. What survives can be divided into two parts; the body and the hooked terminal. The body of the fitting is flared and sub-lentoid (an elongated tear-drop shape) in plan. The upper terminal has broken, but would probably have consisted of a small sub-oval rivet hole. The lower part of the body is decorated with two cast horizontal bands. The hooked terminal has been broken; however, a significant portion survives. This portion suggests that the terminal was formed by bending the lower part of the fitting back upon itself to form a U shaped hooked. This hook has broken just below the bend. The hook is undecorated. The reverse of the fitting is plain with a sub-oval cast hollow in the centre. The strap fitting is a mid-dark green colour with an uneven abraded patina. This abrasion has removed much of the surface and detail of the decoration from the fitting. Similar examples of hooked strap fittings are dated by Brian Read in 'Metal Artefacts of Antiquity' (pages 20, 24, 30, and 41, figures 179-180 and 355-366) to the late medieval and post medieval periods (1400 - 1600).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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