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Description: | An incomplete Medieval cast copper alloy composite book clasp, 1350-1450 AD. The artefact consists of the forked spacers and hook-piece of what would have been a composite book clasp with plates. It is D-shaped in section with a flat back. The two forked spacers are recessed in order to have accommodated the plates. These would have abutted the raised hemispherical area of the clasp. In the centre of this hemisphere is a small circular hole pierced from the top surface through which the clasp would have been riveted to the leather strap or book cover. From the centre point of the lowest edge of the clasp (in line with the forked spacers) extends the hook-piece. This projection has a circular hole drilled through it at ninety degrees to the clasp, which would have enabled the clasp to be held closed with a pin. The terminal extends outwards slightly further from here in an irregular lozenge shape. The terminal has suffered some damage and may originally have been trefoil or similar. The surface of the clasp has a rough texture and a dark green-brown patina. Egan (1998) illustrates a number of complete examples, p. 279 ref. 919-925, all from late 14th - early 15th century contexts. Dimensions: length: 41.49mm; width: 14.39mm; thickness: 16.72mm; weight: 7.16g.Reference: Egan, G. 1998 The Medieval Household - Medieval finds from excavations in London. HMSO. London
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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