BUCKLE

An incomplete Late Early-Medieval / Early Medieval (c.1000-1200) copper alloy zoomorphic single-loop buckle frame, consisting of one arm and the projecting lip for the (missing) pin.
The arm is D-shaped in cross-section (being flat to the underside and measuring 3.9x2.5mm) and curving in form, having been pulled slightly out of shape (this is apparent to the reverse where the scar of the axis bar at one end is aligned c.45 degrees out of place). At this end is a zoomorphic terminal, the head triangular in shape and faceted to either side of a central ridge. It has a transverse ridge at the wider end (representing a brow ridge) and a moulded rib behind the head. To the underside is a worn rib c.2.5mm in width, presumably the remains of part of the axis bar.
At the other end of the arm is a pin rest, projecting at 90 degrees and in the form of another zoomorphic head, flat to the underside with moulded decoration on the opposite face. This has a rather more rounded snout, narrower than the prominent brow ridge. To either side of the central 'nose' ridge are diagonal incisions for the eyes. Extending from the head across the frame are two moulded '0' shapes, apparently long-ish ears. The groove between runs transversely across the frame and just onto the head. This is the rest for the pin. A very small and worn stub of the other arm of the frame extends to the other side of the probable ears.
Measures 37.17mm in length (probably originally c.30mm), 15.55mm in width and max.3.63mm in thickness (the zoomorphic pin-rest). It weighs 3.35g.