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Description: | Complete copper alloy composite hooked book fitting (book clasp) of probable late medieval or post medieval date (1450-1650). The fitting is formed from a two cast sheets of copper alloy which are riveted together. The fitting is broadly sub-rectangular in both plan and profile (although slightly curved). At one end the fitting a small sub-rectangular projection has been cut from the sheet which has been bent back upon itself to form a shallow hook. At the opposite end to the hooked terminal the body of the plate expands and is decorated by a notched (slightly serrated edge). Through the upper plate a series of pierced holes have been drilled; some of which are decorative, and others functional. The three decorative ones are positioned in a triangular shape and the holes are slightly conical. Around these a series of incised patterns made of horizontal lines are positioned. The other drilled holes contain rivets which hold the upper and lower sheets together. The heads of the rivets are flush with the surface of the fitting and are brushed with horizontal lines suggesting the decoration was completed after the strap had been fitted. The lower plate in plain and undecorated, the edge is feathered / serrated in the same style as the upper plate. The area between the two plates contains a small fragment of the original leather which is a worn black colour. The external edges of the plate have been abraded in the ploughsoil - however the long sides seem to have been originally bevelled and slightly shaped. The book fitting is a mid brown green colour with a well formed but abraded polished patina. The edges of the fitting are slightly irregular and asymmetrical. This is likely to be a result of movement in the plough soil. Similar examples of book clasps and fittings can be seen in Sue Margison's, Norwich Households pages 74-75 catalogue numbers 452-455, specifically 454. These are dated to the late and post medieval periods (Tudor and Stuart); the majority of these are dated to the 16th and 17th century.The book fitting measures 34.0mm long, 17.7mm wide, is 5.7mm thick (the upper plate 1.5mm, lower plate 0.9mm thick) and weighs 4.7 grams.
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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