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Description: | Incomplete cast copper alloy purse bar and suspension loop of probable very late Medieval or early Post-Medieval date (1450 - 1600). Only one of the arms of the purse bar survives, the other is broken approximately ¾ along its length. The decoration and design would seem to be the same as on the extant arm and therefore similar in description. The extant arm of the purse bar is broadly sub rectangular in plan and D shaped in cross section. It is relatively short and stubby compared to many purse bars recorded. The terminal is relatively plain and is likely to have had a separate applied disc on the end to help secure the purse to the bar. The underside of the bar has three broken loops on a cast sub-rectangular bar. These would have aided the suspension of the purse. Rising from the end of the bar is a D shaped double rib projecting around the circumference of the bar. In the centre of the bar (where the two arms meet) is a cast sub-rectangular lozenge. This is formed by the upper edges of the two bars rising. The upper edge of this area has been pierced by a vertical hole which contains the central suspension loop. The centre of the bar has been decorated with two vertical ribs similar to that described at the end of the purse bar. The central suspension loop is fixed to the purse bar through the pierced hole. It is secured by a small copper alloy ring. The lower end of the suspension loop is formed from a circular bar, which allows the loop to rotate through 360°. The upper part of the suspension loop is decorated with a series of three horizontal ribs. The central rib is faceted (with eight sides). The loop is sub-rectangular in shape with a central rectangular hole. The edges of the loop are beveled. The purse bar measures 106.5mm in length, 16.1mm width, is 12.1mm thick and weighs 25.55 grams.The purse bar is a mid grey green colour with an even and relatively unabraded patina which covers most surfaces. The greyish colour of the purse bar is likely to be due to the entire artefact being tinned or silvered. Small areas of this applied surface are present but the majority has decayed to the grey colour observed. The break on one of the arms is abraded and a similar patina is present to the rest of the artefact. This suggests that the purse bar was broken in antiquity. Similar purse bars have been discussed by Ward Perkins in the Museum of London Medieval Catalogue. He classifies this type as Type B5 which is distinguished from the other types by its squared central loop and moulded bar complete with plates beneath pierced for the attachment of a bag. Ward Perkins suggests that this type of purse bar is to date from the period 1450 - 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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