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Description: | Fragment of a cast copper alloy strap or book fitting dating from the medieval period (1350-1550). The fragment is sub-rectangular in both plan and cross section. It has been slightly bent in the plough soil and so is concave in profile. The fitting is formed from a cast sheet; the two long sides expand / flare along their length. It is broken / torn on the upper edge. The fitting measures 30mm length, 24.4mm wide and is 2mm thick. It weighs 4.51 grams. The fitting is decorated on the front face with a series of incised designs. The central element of these is a cross with a cross (saltire) over it. Both of these are formed from triangular wedge shapes and are executed with care and craftsmanship. This cross is contained within a border of small incised lines around the edge of the sheet. The upper part of the fitting is also decorated with incised lines; however, most of this has been lost due to the damage. The design here consists of two linear panels with incised lines within them. These are not executed with the same care as the cross described below. It seems that the fitting has been repaired at one point as a sub-circular hole has been pierced through the lower part. This repair or reuse does not respect the original decoration as it cuts through the lower arms of the central design. The pierced hole measures 4.1 x 3.6mm. The reverse of the fitting is plain and undecorated. The fitting is a mid - dark green colour with an even patina which covers all surfaces. This patina has been abraded from the lower surfaces of the fitting and movement in the ploughsoil has damaged the edges causing it to become asymmetrical in plan and profile. The damage at the top of the fitting has developed a similar patina over it to the rest of the artefact; this therefore suggests that this occurred in antiquity. A parallel has not been found for this fitting, therefore the ambiguity of use remains.
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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Incomplete cast copper alloy strap…
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