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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy purse bar, of Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval dating (c. AD 1450 - AD 1550).Approximately 25% of the purse bar is present, consisting of the purse bar with one arm complete. The other arm and the suspension loop are missing, presumed lost in antiquity.The arm of the purse bar is sub-rectangular in plan and oval in cross section. The stem of the bar narrows at the end, with a globular knop as the terminal on each end. A space is left between the bar and the rove. At the centre of the bar (where the two arms meet) is an integrally cast sub-rectangular lozenge, through which a vertical hole has been cut. This hole enables the suspension loop of the purse to rotate. The remnants of the suspension loop is still present within the vertical hole.The purse bar section measures 13.9 mm in length, 28.2 mm width, is a maximum 10.1 mm thick. It weighs 6.9 g.The purse bar is a dark green colour with an uneven abraded patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.Late Medieval purse frames came in several sections. The main part consisted of a purse bar and hanger which hung off the belt. The purse bar supported the main part of the purse. Attached to the purse bar, were one or two supporting (pendent) arms, which would have the bag of the purse sewn onto it, to maintain the shape and increase the durability of the purse. It would have the additional advantage that it would make the purse slightly less susceptible to Cut-Purses (thieves) than a leather purse attached to a belt.Ward Perkins (1940, p162) has classified purse frames into two main types. Type A consist of a bar, longer than the length of the purse, and two pendent arms. The metal frames demonstrate stitching holes. Type B are smaller than Type A, and the pendent arms are of a circular section and hang directly from the bar. David Williams (Surrey FLO) has expanded the classification types up to Type J. This example is consistent with that of a Type B1.Reference:Ward-Perkins, J.B. 1940. Medieval Catalogue. London Museum. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.Class: Ward Perkins Type B1
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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