STRAP FITTING

A cast copper alloy strap fitting (belt mount) of probable post-medieval date (1500-1700). The strap fitting is irregular in plan and domed (convex) in profile; the edges are bevelled / faceted. The overall decorative design consists of a lower scallop / cockle shell (also known as the shell of St James) from whose upper surface a much abraded vertical lobe armed cross rises. It is possible that this represents a stylised boat. The shell has been decorated with uneven incised radial ribs. There is no evidence of an applied surface on either the upper face or lower faces. The reverse face of the fitting is irregular but broadly flat and undecorated. Two cast sub-rectangular projections (hooks) extend; one from either end of the fitting. Both of these are broken and have a sub-rectangular shaped cross section. These hooks would pass through the strap leather and hold the fitting in place. The strap fitting is a mid green colour with an abraded patina that covers all surfaces. Where abrasion has removed the green patina a mid brown coloured metal has been exposed. Similar examples of strap fittings can be seen in Brian Read's book 'Metal Artefacts of Antiquity' (pages 34-37). The use of the Shell of St. James in the Post Medieval period is often associated and used as a symbol by recusant Catholics. A similar example from Farndon, Cheshire (HESH-537E81) has been recorded on the PAS database

The fitting measures 17.0mm length, 14.7mm width, is 3.6mm thick and weighs 1.75 grams.

HESH-537E81 http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/202270

Note:

The finder reports that whne found this object was encased with large amounts of iron corrosion - suggesting that it was associated with an iron object in the ground.