2011-01-10 17:05:02 Kate Sumnall ksumnall 2011-02-06 19:06:23 Kate Sumnall ksumnall LON-B3C3C1 STRAP END An Early Medieval (Carolingian) copper alloy strap end dating to the 9th century. This strap end has a split end, convex sides, zoomorphic terminal and foliate decoration. The zoomorphic terminal shows a beast's head with laid-back ears. The nose is depicted by a vertical groove; the eyes by two pits and the ears are circular with crescent-shaped stamps forming the detail. The eyes are deeply recessed and originally may have held a bead. The body of the strap end is decorated with a single branch motif with oval leaves projecting from each side. The branch is contained within a sub-rectangular field except for the main stem which projects up to meet the open end creating a bi-lobed appearance. There is a copper alloy rivet with domed head within each of these lobes. To each side of the branch the edges of the strap end are decorated with slightly irregular transverse grooves creating the appearance of a beaded border. The back plate of the open end is bent out of alignment, it is broken across one rivet hole and the corner is missing. When found this strap end was covered in thick concretions the finder cleaned two or the four strap ends from the group to reveal the decoration and form. These concretions still fill the open end. Dimensions: length: 34.16mm; width: 16.38mm; thickness: 3.51mm; weight: 11.19g. An Early Medieval (Carolingian) copper alloy strap end dating to the 9th century. This strap end has a split end, convex sides, zoomorphic terminal and foliate decoration. The zoomorphic terminal shows a beast's head with laid-back ears. The nose is depicted by a vertical groove; the eyes by t... This strap end was found in a group of four strap ends of very similar design and form LON-B3C3C1; LON-B3CD21; LON-B3CF92; LON-B3D262; two strap slides LON-B3D5D1 and LON-B3D8C7; and another strap fitting with ring which may be a ring-link connector LON-B3DD46. Identification by Dr Kevin Leahy and Dr Helen Geake, PAS Finds Advisors for Early Medieval artefacts. Kevin Leahy: What a lovely and interesting group. I agree with Helen Geake that the decoration looks more Carolingian than Anglo-Saxon but I can find no real parallels for it and think that the motif is simplified version of a Carolingian motif. The form of the strap ends with their mouse head terminals look like that those that we see on Trewhiddle strap ends and I think that they are local products. The strap-sliders are also clearly local as they are very similar to a pair found in the Trewhiddle hoard which dated to before 875 (Wilson DM, Anglo-Saxon Ornamental Metalwork AD700-1100, BM, London, 1964, Nos 101, 102). As Helen says the looped ring is hard to date but the shape and feel of it would suggest that it ninth century like the rest of the group. Copper alloy Cast EARLY MEDIEVAL EARLY MEDIEVAL Late EARLY MEDIEVAL Late 800 900 16.38 34.16 3.51 Floral Good Complete 2011-01-10 17:05:02 GREATER LONDON CITY OF LONDON CITY OF LONDON POINT( ) From Map TQ38SW TQ3380 29.06.2003 Metal detector 1 LON Creative Commons Non Commercial Share Alike - The Portable Antiquities Scheme 2011 These records can be reproduced in a non commercial enviroment as long as the original recorder is cited. The Portable Antiquities Scheme info@finds.org.uk No fees are applicable.