2012-02-10 15:53:41 Julian Watters jwatters 2012-02-10 16:10:00 Julian Watters jwatters BH-53D847 BOOK FITTING An incomplete copper-alloy book clasp, dating from the Late Medieval period. The piece represents the lower portion of a composite clasp. The upper part of the surviving piece has a rectangular 'plate', from each of the two top corners of which projects a right angled, perforated lug. The now-missing axis bar would originally have been contained within these lugs and would also have held in place an upper element, creating a hinged fitting. The aforementioned plate has an incised groove around its perimeter; this in turn contains an incised saltire, each of the quarters created also engraved with a pair of short grooves which extend inwards from the perimeter border, giving the impression of an incomplete cross. A single rivet hole, located just below centre, would have attached the fitting to the book cover. A short, parallel-sided right angled projection at the base of the rectangular plate gives way to a stylised zoomorphic head. This head is of trapezoidal section, with moulded lobes used to depict the beast's ears. An angled ridge, flanked by grooves, represents the eyes or brow. From the base of the head projects a horizontally perforated loop for attachment of a binding cord. The object measures 29.4mm long, 15.9mm wide, 4.2mm thick and weighs 6.2g. Examples of similar book clasps were found in excavations in London (see Egan 1998: 278-280/fig. 214), in contexts dating from the mid 14th to mid 15th centuries. The London finds are illustrated alongside a photograph of a Late Medieval girdle book from the New York Public Library collection, which retains its binding straps, complete with such fittings (ibid). An incomplete copper-alloy book clasp, dating from the Late Medieval period. The piece represents the lower portion of a composite clasp. The upper part of the surviving piece has a rectangular 'plate', from each of the two top corners of which projects a right angled, perforated lug. The now-mis... Copper alloy Cast MEDIEVAL MEDIEVAL Late 1300 1500 15.9 29.4 4.2 Good Incomplete 2012-02-10 15:53:41 BEDFORDSHIRE SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE POINT( ) From Finder SP92SW SP9322 29.06.2003 Metal detector 1 BH Creative Commons Non Commercial Share Alike - The Portable Antiquities Scheme 2012 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.