|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete Early Post Medieval copper alloy book clasp, dating to the 15th - 17th Century (1450-1700). The clasp is formed from a thin rectangular strip of metal. Wide at one end and with an integral blunt projecting hook at the other (width 4,8mm). The wider end would probably have expanded into a fishtail shape. The upper surface is decorated with drilled ring-and-dot designs, three have central holes that retain iron rivets.The under side has attached a truncated triangular piece of simular sheeting. the rivits pass completely through both these sheets.Sandwiched between them would have been either a fabric or most likely a leather hinge thus enabling it to attach the clasp to the book cover. Similar examples in situ can be seen in Hereford Cathedral Chained Library and excavated examples can be seen in Sue Margison's Norwich Households volume.The book clasp measures 19.5mm at the widest point and 4.8mm at the narrowest; it ranges from 3.8mm to 1.4mm thick. It is 75.4mm long and weighs 7.75 grams.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
|
|