STRAP END

Incomplete medieval strap end with sheet spacer. The strap end is formed from two plates of metal that are subrectangular in plan. One plate is damaged, missing its upper portion where the strap end is split. The surviving upper portion of plate of the strap end is pointed and is flanked by pointed knops, giving it a zig zag appearance. The complete, closed, terminal end has a central rounded knop on the same plane. The sheet spacer survives at the lower end of the strap end and is visible between the plates. A fixing hole is visible at the pointed top of the strap end and at the bottom. Copper alloy rivets survive in both. When viewed in profile the strap end, when complete, would have a V shaped profile. The original surface survives with a dark green patina. There is some abrasion revealing a lighter green surface. The break edge is worn suggesting damage occurred in antiquity. Between the plates of the strap end, and revealed because of the missing upper portion of one of the plates, is a surviving fragment of textile. The textile appears to be knitted. Examination under a microscope could not ascertain whether the fibres of the textile were animal or vegetable in nature. A bright green staining on the textile is not dye, but the result of copper leaching from the strap end. The textile now has a light beige colour. The strap end is 29.02mm long, 14.94mm wide, 2.7mm thick and weighs 4.38g. Egan and Pritchard, 1991, Dress Accessories, London: HMSO, illustrate similar strap ends on page 147. They date from the 14th century.