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Description: | Incomplete cast copper alloy purse bar (Ward Perkins Type A1) of probable late Medieval or early Post-Medieval date (1450 - 1550). The fragment consists of the lower arms of a purse bar which are broadly sub-rectangular in plan and oval in cross section. The two arms of the purse bar taper toward irregular ends which are rounded but irregular. The original terminals have been snapped or broken - due to their regularity this may have been deliberate. The patina at both ends is similar to that on the body - suggesting that the damage must be pre-deposition. Approximately halfway along the length of each side bar is an area of cast decoration consisting of an area of raised ridges. These have been abraded but are most likely to be stylised zoomorphic (animal, probably dog) heads. In the centre of the bar (where the two arms meet) is a cast sub-rectangular lozenge, through which a vertical hole has been cast. This hole would have contained the central suspension loop. The central lozenge is decorated with an incised (diagonal or saltire) cross; the lower arms of this cross are overlapped by a widely angled V (which the right hand side is lost). The opposite face has two V shapes conjoined to make a W. All of these incised lines are filled with niello. The purse bar is a light-mid green colour with an abraded patina which covers most surfaces. Similar purse bars have been discussed by Ward Perkins in the Museum of London Medieval Catalogue. He classifies this type as Type A1 which is distinguished from the other types by the stylised zoomorphic design. These styles of purse bar are dated to the late 15th century and early 16th centuriesThe purse bar measures 52.5mm in length, 10.2mm width, and is 14.9mm thick. It weighs 27.08 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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