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Description: | Cast copper alloy purse bar of probable late Medieval or early Post-Medieval date (1500 - 1600). The two arms of the purse bar are sub-rectangular in plan and oval in cross section with large sub-circular terminals (knops) at either end. These terminals measure 11.7mm x 11.1mm. Both are decorated with a cast twisted design comprising of four diagonal lozenges. In the centre of the bar (where the two arms meet) is an integrally cast sub-rectangular lozenge, through which a vertical hole has been cut. This hole enables the suspension loop of the purse to rotate. The central lozenge is undecorated. The purse suspension loop is oval in plan with tapering sides. It is also sub-rectangular (D shaped) in cross section. The loop extends at the base into a small cylindrical knop which further extends into a tapered length of bar that passes through the vertical hole in the purse bar. The terminal of this bar is rounded and a small faceted copper alloy rivet has been fixed to secure the loop. The purse bar measures 113.7mm in length, 51.6mm width, is 11.4mm thick and weighs 40.76 grams.The purse bar is a mid green brown colour with an uneven abraded patina which covers most surfaces. Both the arms have been slightly distorted by movement in the ploughsoil. Similar purse bars have been discussed by Ward Perkins in the Museum of London Medieval Catalogue. He classifies this type as Type B3 which is distinguished from the other types by its ornamental decoration, the form of the bosses (terminals), and by the absence of pendant loops (to attach the purse to). The types he discusses all have scalloped designs, however, the decoration and other factors fits best with this classification. Ward Perkins suggests that this type are the extreme development of the late medieval purse bars and as such are likely to date from the middle of the sixteenth century (1550) (pp167-169).
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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