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Description: | Cast copper alloy strap fitting, belt slide, of probable very late Iron Age or more likely an early Roman date (50 - 200AD). The strap fitting is broadly sub-rectangular in both plan and profile. It is cast in one piece. The front plate is decorated with a series of cast designs; these consist of a central raised rib with a centrally positioned circumferential groove dividing the ridge into two parts. Either side of this central rib the surface tapers and then expands to form two similar ridges at either edge of the strap fitting. Both these terminal ridges have similar grooves to those described on the central rib. From the reverse of the front plate two sub-rectangular integrally cast projections extend. These connect with a third cast plate which joins both side elements together forming a small open ended box or slide. The sides and back plate of the strap fitting are undecorated. The reverse of the front plate has an oval hollow at its centre. It is possible that the strap fitting was cast flat in one-piece and then folded and soldered to form the slide, however a clear joint cannot be observed on any surface. The strap fitting measures 16mm length, 9.6mm width and is 12.5mm thick. The inside of the loop on the reverse measures 12.7 x 6.8mm. The strap fitting measures 5.47 grams. The strap fitting is a mid grey green colour with a slightly abraded and powdery patina. It is possible that the greyish patina is due to a tinned finish or possibly the deterioration of the alloy in the ploughsoil. A direct parallel for a belt slide has not been found. The overall design on the front face is similar to that on a number of toggles of a similar suggested date. A close parallel with one of these toggles can be seen in the excavation report from Camerton by Ralph Jackson (see fig. 85). These forms of toggle have not been closely dated. The construction as a slide along with its size suggests an early Roman date. It was probably used on an item of personal dress rather than horse furniture.
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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