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An incomplete cast copper-alloy Medieval book clasp, dating to c. late 14th-c. early 15th century AD. The remains of the book clasp consist of a cast zoomorphic book clasp loop, in the form of an animal head; it would have connected to a hinged, double-sided plate to which the strap was riveted, in order to keep a bound book closed. The loop is sub-triangular and tapering in plan, with a circular-sectioned strap bar held between two small lugs at one end; followed by a stylised symmetrical animal head with ears, forehead, protruding eyes and snout; the loop itself is held in the animal's jaws, with a circular hole running perpendicular to the rest of the object. The reverse surface is completely flat with a centrally-positioned circular hole punched deeply behind the animal head decoration. This hole would have held the rivet attaching the loop to the book itself; at times this rivet penetrates the loop completely, but in this case it is deep enough to facilitate an attachment without disturbing the decoration on the front surface. The features of the zoomorphic head are rather crudely delineated with long incised lines and basic projecting details indicating the ears and snout; this results in a roughly D-Shaped cross-section for much of the decorated central segment. The book clasp loop is in excellent condition, with an even almost black patina to the copper alloy. It measures: 23.97 mm long, 8.34 mm maximum width (at ears), 3.66 mm minimum width (loop), 7.45 mm maximum thickness (at forehead); the strap bar itself is approximately 4.35 mm wide, indicating that the hinged plate holding the strap would have been this width or less. It weighs 5.13 grams.

For similar examples and a discussion of the type, cf. Egan and Pritchard 1998, pp 277-280.

• Egan, G, 1998. The Medieval Household Daily Living c. 1150-c. 1450 London : Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 6, pp277-280.

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Created: Monday 23rd January 2012
Updated: Monday 30th January 2012