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Description: | An incomplete, bent and slightly twisted post-Medieval cast copper-alloy hooked plate from a sword-belt fitting (1500-1700).The tip of the hook is missing.Overall, these strap-fittings tend to consist of a mount with three suspension loops from which hang a trio of hooked plates; the scabbard straps would have been attached to these plates. The ensemble features foliate decoration on their visible faces: an illustration of a complete sword-belt fitting can be found in Read (2001, 43; ref. 373). Their design and decoration are relatively standardised. Such fittings 'proliferate in the 16th and 17th centuries' (Geake 2001, 35).This single hooked plate is abraded and in poor condition. It is sub-triangular in plan with a flat lower surface. From the hook end, the plate flares out to a width of 14.45mm. Aligned with the base of these side protrusions is a central circular rivet perforation; on the lower surface this is surrounded by a recess. The corroded remains of the iron rivet survive in situ. Below, the object narrows to a waist 10.74mm wide beyond these protrusions, before widening again to 16.76mm. Below these latter, and above the trefoil terminal is another waist at which the plate narrows to 12.35mm. Centrally aligned with the beginning of the trefoil is a second circular perforation; on the lower face this is surrounded by a recess. Again, the corroded remains of the iron rivet survive in situ. The rear face is flat and plain. The shaft of the hook is circular in cross-section.The front of the plate had an elaborate scrolled foliage pattern. However, little of this remains due to wear. The metal is green with traces of a darker green patina. About halfway along its length it has been bent at angle of about 45°.Height: c. 41.0mm; height if straightened: c. 49.0mm; width: 19.22mm; thickness: 3.53mm. Weight: 6.86g.
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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