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Description: | An almost complete cast copper alloy strap end of early-medieval date. The strap end is of Thomas' Class A, Type 1 with zoomorphic terminal and Trewhiddle decoration. The strap end is a pointed oval shape with a zoomorphic terminal at the closed end and a slightly concaved terminal at the attachment end. The strap end is cast in one piece but the attachment end is split into an upper and lower plate to allow the strap material to be fitted, thought the lower plate no longer remains. Two rivet holes for attachment are present on the surviving upper plate. Between the rivet holes is a fan shaped field with a foliate design. The zoomorphic terminal is in the form of a forward facing animal head with prominent rounded eyes and snub snout. The central panel is filled with an incised Trewhiddle style pattern possibly representing zoomorphic creatures though the degree of wear makes this difficult to determine. Traces of silvering remain within this field. The decorative field is set within a border of circular indentations within a sub-rectangular border.The reverse is flat and undecorated with a worn break where the lower plate has been separated and lost.The metal has a shiny mid green patina and is in good condition. The strap end is 50.5mm long, 18.1mm wide, 4.7mm thick and weighs 15.5g.This strap end most probably dates from the 9th century however it may date from between the late 8th to early 10th century.Numerous similar examples can be seen on the PAS database such as numbers: WMID-CA93F1 & WAW-96B4B5.
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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