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STRAP FITTING
Unique ID: SOM-22271D
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A probable strap fitting of uncertain date, possibly Roman, c. AD 43-410. The object comprises of a flat rectangular plate of copper alloy, with a slight knop at its terminal. At the attachment end a pair of V-shaped grooves define a transverse collar, with a second corresponding pair below, just above the mid-point, helping to define a sub-circular boss. This is engraved with a lozenge containing a pellet, with the channels inlaid with niello. The rectangular field below the boss is decorated with two parallel rectangular, niello inlaid channels, with each containing a zig-zag left raised against the inlay. The plate is perforated twice along the longitudinal median line, neither respecting the decoration, and with both retaining an iron rivet in situ.
Dimensions: length 29.3mm; width 9.4mm; thickness 2.4mm; weight 3.35g.
Although the two separate iron rivets on the longitudinal median line is reminicent of post-medieval strap fittings, in both its form (resembling bead-imitative Roman bracelets) and decoration it would appear to be earlier in date. A Roman date range is tentatively suggested until a parallel can be identified.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 29.3 mm
Width: 9.4 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 3.35 g
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: SCC receipt: 019498
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Iron
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with niello
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Somerset (County)
District: South Somerset (District)
Parish or ward: Misterton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: ST4408
Four figure Latitude: 50.86877657
Four figure longitude: -2.79717523
1:25K map: ST4408
1:10K map: ST40NW
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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