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HARNESS FITTING
Unique ID: HAMP-CBEF93
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A large medieval strap-fitting formed of copper alloy, probably a harness fitting. The object consists of two rectangular plates (39.9mm by 7.8mm) joined by a loop and bent round such that they are parellel. The plates have a rectangular cross-section. They are joined together by a pair of rivets which survive, one towards the loop and one towards the terminal. The rivets have square cross-section, prominent rounded heads and unobtrusive hammered-down ends. The space between the two arms (the thickness of the strap) is c. 3.3mm. The object is a dark red-brown colour consistent with gilding; traces of gilt survive alongside areas of light green corrosion product.
Length: 58.5 mm; Width: 8.5 mm; Weight: 13.35 g
For an object of similar construction recorded on this database see reference SF3423. See also Geake (2001, Ill. 16). Goodall (2011, 378-379; fig. 13.8, nos L91-92) illustrates similar strap loops, taken to have joined the reins to cheekpieces. A pair of examples in gilded copper alloy are published by Gaitzsch (1987, 222; abb. 2) from Pergamon and dated to the 13th century; he also illustrates a Franco-Neopolitan bit with such looped attachments connecting the reins to the harness hooks of a curb bit dated between c. 1325 and 1350 (Gaitzsch 1987; taf. 64.3).
Class: strap loop
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 58.5 mm
Width: 8.5 mm
Weight: 13.35 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st April 2007
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hampshire (County)
District: Hart (District)
Parish or ward: Odiham (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU7251
Four figure Latitude: 51.253631
Four figure longitude: -0.969681
1:25K map: SU7251
1:10K map: SU75SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geake, H. | 2001 | Finds Recording Guide Version 1.1 | 16 | ||||
| Goodall, I.H. | 2011 | Ironwork in Medieval Britain: An Archaeological Study | London | The Society of Medieval Archaeology | 378-379 | L91-92 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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