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Description: | Cast copper alloy dagger chape (metal fitting from the base of a scabbard) of probable late medieval or early post-medieval date (1400 -1600). The chape is sub-triangular in plan and sub-rectangular in profile. The chape is cast in one piece with the front and rear plates extending higher than the sides. The base of the chape terminates in a rounded point. The chape measures 27.3mm in length, 24.9mm width, and is 9.9mm thick. The front and rear plates are 1.9mm thick. The chape weighs 8.75 grams. There is no decoration present on either the front or rear faces of the chape. On the rear face there are two small pierced holes. It is likely that these would have aided the attachment of the chape to the leather of the scabbard. The front plate of the chape has been damaged and the upper right portion is missing. This damage is likely to have been a result of movement in the ploughsoil as a patina has not formed over the tear. There are also a number of stress fractures present in the metal which again are likely to be related to abrasion and movement. The chape is a mid-green brown colour with an uneven and broken patina across most surfaces. There are several patches of light green powdery active corrosion on the inner surfaces of the chape. A direct parallel has not been found but similar chapes can be seen in the Ward / Perkins Museum of London Catalogue 1940 pages 284-286. These have been dated by Ward Perkins to the later medieval and early-post medieval period. It is likely that this example would date from the earlier part of this period due to the fact that it is cast in one piece rather than being composite. The size of this chape suggests that it would probably have been for a dagger scabbard rather than a sword.
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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