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Description: | A cast copper alloy mounted strap fitting, possibly part of a clasp or strap end. The object is composed of three integral components; a sub-rectangular strap fitting, a moulded stem and an incomplete loop. Firstly the strap fitting component is sub-rectangular in plan, with one edge being obliquely broken. The other three edges are lipped forming a cell where originally the strap would have been fitted. The upper face of this component, i.e. the base of the cell has areas of bright blue corrosion. The lipped edge, opposite the broken edge, has a narrowed moulded protrusion. The moulding forms a deep lozenge platform which is positioned on an sub-triangular base. The tip of the triangular base has an integral incomplete loop whose perforation is viewed from the profile. The reverse of the clasp is undecorated and is flat. The surface of the clasp has traces of gilding, is abraded and has a matte mid green surface. It measures 30.9mm long, 12.36mm wide and 5.87mm thick. It weighs 3g.The strap fitting may have been used in conjunction with leather straps to keep books closed when not in use. Egan (Egan G. 1998 The Medieval Household Daily Living c. 1150-c.1450 Museum of London, London, The Stationary Office) illustrates similar clasps, for example No. 925, and comments that this clasp dates from the late 14th to early 15th century. Ottaway and Rogers (Ottaway, P. and Rogers, N. 2002 Craft, Industry and Everyday Life: Finds From Medieval York York Archaeological Trust and CBA) illustrate similar sized clasps, Nos. 15236 and 14641 in particular, and these were found in late 14th to 15th century contexts, but again this example does not have the rectangular plate. The recorded example also does not have a perforation through the platform. However the style is close enough to suggest a similar date. The object could perhaps be a personal accessory in the form of a type of clasp or strap end.
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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