|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy Early Medieval strap end dating to the late Anglo-Saxon period, circa 9th century AD. The strap end is sub oval in plan with narrowed, rounded ends. Originally, the strap end would have divided at the widest point to form a back plate, creating a 'V' shaped profile. The back plate is missing due to old breaks. The surviving front plate has a sub rectangular section and a slightly curving profile. At the wider end of the strap end, 1 complete rivet hole survives with an approximate diameter of 1.6mm. The other rivet hole only partially survives. Below the rivet holes, a moulded geometric and curvilinear design is just discernible on the front of the strap end. The sides of the strap end narrow gradually to a rounded point which is slightly thicker than the body of the strap end. The reverse of the strap end is plain with a very slight traverse ridge at the widest point, where the strap end would have divided. The strap end has a dark green even patina and very worn surfaces. The strap end measures 34.89mm in length, 8.26mm wide and 1.59mm thick at the tip. Weight: 1.6g.A comparable strap end is recorded in The Finds Research Group AD700-1700 Datasheet 32, fig 1, no 6. Classified as a Class A, Type 2: Patterned strap end. Thomas (2003, page 2) notes that 'The chronological limits of the class probably lie either side of the 9th century; an 8th century origin has been proposed . . . and there is mounting evidence for their continued production and circulation well into the 10th century in the north of the country.'Reference:Thomas, G. 2003 Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age strap-ends 750-1100: Part 1. Finds Research Group Datasheet 32. Finds Research Group AD700-1700.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|