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Description: | A complete cast (or probably wrought) copper alloy strap end, of Medieval dating (13th to 14th Centuries AD).The strap end consists of two pieces of sheet copper alloy metal, welded together. The strap end is sub rectangular in plan, and flat in profile. The base of the strap end has been cut into a decorative end, consisting of a three petaled 'fleur de lis' or 'fleur de lys' or cross, with rectangular slots or notches cut between each petal. From the top of the fleur de lys, the strap end tapers up into a rectangular shape. A space is present at the top between the front and back plates, for the strap to be secured. A small rivet is present at the top, which would have secured the strap end onto the original strap. The back plate is slightly smaller than the front one, with a hole for the rivet located at the top. The front of the strap end exhibits an incised cross as decoration, formed from two hand drawn wavy / zigzag lines.The strap end is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Some minor traces of surface pitting are present, probably caused by soil conditions in the original burial environment.The strap end measures 42.64mm in length, 12.04mm wide and 5.17mm thick. It weighs 3.9 grams.Similar style strap ends, made from paired copper alloy sheets, are consistent with Late Medieval dating (1350 to 1400 AD). Pritchard (2002) published a similar strap end, with an acorn style end as opposed to a trefoil / fleur de lys as #605 and dated it to Ceramic Phase 11 (c.1350 to c. 1400 AD). It is therefore probable that our example is of similar dating due to its similarities in construction and decoration.Reference:Pritchard, F. (2002) Strap-ends in Egan & Pritchard (2002). p124-161.Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. (2002) Dress Accessories. Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 3. Museum of London / Boydell Press. 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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