STRAP FITTING

Complete, cast copper alloy, Late Iron Age strap fitting c.100BC-50AD. This strap fitting has a sub circular frame, which is D shaped in section, having a slightly flatter inner edge. When viewed vertically, to the lower portion of the frame are two opposing slight, triangular knops. It is from the portion of frame between these knops that extends an integral short shank, slightly wasted. The shank has a rounded end from which extends at 90 degrees another shorter wasted neck which terminates in a globular knop or stud. The object is complete, but the frame is split to the right hand side, when viewed vertically as described above. It is abraded and none of the original surface survives. Exposed surfaces are dark and light green. The frame has a diameter of 28mm and is 5.48mm wide and 8.34mm thick. The triangular knops are 18.56mm apart. The object has a total length of 45.1mm, of which 14.36mm is the extension. The knop or stud extends for 8.98mm from the end of the extension. The fitting weighs 27.20g. This strap fitting is similar to a number of fittings from Late Iron Age and Roman sites in Suffolk that have recently been discussed by Faye Minter in Lucerna 28, 2004, The Roman Finds Group Newsletter, page 12. However, these examples do not have the extended portion of frame as recorded on this example. However the short neck set at 90 degrees to the frame is clearly for a similar function. Minter discusses how this feature allows these fittings to be potentially used as a button and loop fastener. (It has also been suggested that they may form part of a sword belt fitting in the manner of a baldrick ring).