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Description: | A copper-alloy scabbard chape of Medieval date c.1200-1400. The fitting consists of a single sheet of metal folded in two with the straight bottom edge being formed by the bend which is C-shaped in profile. The resultant two faces of the fitting are near symmetrical in form consisting of a trapezoidal lower half which then extends upwards and outwards with thin splayed arms with an opening between to either side so that the overall appearance is V-shaped in plan. The front plate has the addition of a small trefoil finial (possibly intended to be a fleur de lys) projecting upwards from the midpoint of the trapezoidal lower half of the plate. The trefoil therefore sits between the base of the two splayed front arms with the top edge of the trapezoid is curved downwards to either side of the finial. The corresponding section of the backplate has no finial and the top edge of the trapezoid section is curved upwards between the two arms. The front trapezoid is decorated with incised vertical groove along the midline and to either side of this transverse grooves feathered outwards. Each of the four tapered arms has a circular rivet hole through the end for attachment. The fitting has been bent out of shape. Due to damage and the loss of the material, probably leather, which would have been sandwiched between the two halves of the plate it is difficult to ascertain the original size of the opening between the two faces, at present this is widest and best preserved at the base of the fitting adjacent to the bend and measures 2.3mm on one side and 3mm on the other. Although reminiscent of V-shaped strap ends this type of fitting appears too substantial and broad for such a role and was more likely to have been used to strengthen the tip of a scabbard used for a sword or dagger.Dimension Notes: The item is 15.8mm wide along the base and approximately 32mm wide across the tips of the splayed arms making adjustments to account for distortion. The sheet is a maximum of 1.7mm thick and the thickness of the overall item, once bent, from face-to-face, is approximately 6mm.
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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