Record ID: LON-B3CD21 - EARLY MEDIEVAL strap end

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STRAP END

Unique ID: LON-B3CD21

Object type certainty: Certain

A resized image of An Early Medieval (late Anglo Saxon) copper alloy strap end dating to the 9th century

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 flat 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. There is some damage to the edge of the left lobe of the open end. 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. Some traces of the concretions remain in the open end and around the decoration.

Dimensions: length: 34.55mm; width: 16.49mm; thickness: 3.68mm; weight: 11.79g.

Notes:

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.

This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Ascribed Culture: Carolingian [scope notes| view all attributed records]
Date from: Circa AD 800
Date to: Circa AD 900

Dimensions and weight

Length: 34.55 mm
Width: 16.49 mm
Thickness: 3.68 mm
Weight: 11.79 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Decoration style: Floral [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Complete [scope notes | view all attributed records]

Spatial data

Region: South East And London
County: Greater London
District: City Of London
Parish: City Of London

Restricted 4 Figure grid reference: TQ3380
The map has been degraded and provides an approximate location with a degree of random obfuscation.
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.

Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]
General landuse: Open fresh water [scope notes]
Specific landuse: Running water [scope notes]

Personal details

Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Mrs Kate Sumnall - [ view all attributed records]
Identified by: Dr Kevin Leahy - [view all attributed records]
Secondary identifier: Dr Helen Geake - [view all attributed records]

Other reference numbers

References cited

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