STRAP END

Incomplete cast copper alloy strap end of probable later medieval date (1300-1450). The strap end is broadly sub-rectangular in both plan and cross section. The longitudinal edges are beveled. The strap end is formed by folding a length of cast sheet metal into two halves with the fold being at the base of the strap end. The fold is closed for approximately ½ the length of the strap end and opens at the other end to form a < shape. This is secured by a single copper alloy rivet which pierces both the upper and lower faces. The rivet hole on the upper face is recessed and concealed by corrosion. The lower edge of the strap end is broken and abraded. There is no evidence of either cast or incised decoration. The strap end measures 29.3mm length, 14.2mm width, and is 5.9mm thick. It weighs 8.52 grams. The strap end is a light green colour with an uneven abraded patina which covers all surfaces. Where the patina remains it is a dark green black colour. The strap end is asymmetrical in plan and also slightly bent in profile. This is probably a result of damage in the plough soil. The broken edge has a worn surface with a similar patina to the rest of the artefact. This suggests that the damage is relatively old. A number of similar strap ends are recorded in Egan and Pritchard ‘Dress Accessories 1150-1450. These examples are all dated to the 14th century (1300-1400). The closest parallels to this strap end is example 578, 585 or 587 (pages 126-127).