SLEEVE CLASP

An incomplete fragment from an enamelled cast copper alloy wrist-clasp (or sleeve clasp) of probable 6th – 8th century (Early Medieval 550 – 800 AD) date. The fragment is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with a two broken edges; in profile it is slightly bowed and in cross section is broadly lentoid. Approximately 50% of the clasp survives. It measures 28.7mm length, 14.6mm width, is 2.0mm thick and weighs 3.21 grams. The wrist clasp is formed from a relatively thin sheet or bar, one vertical edge is straight and relatively flat, the other is decorated with a repeating pattern of D shaped scallops, forming an undulating regular edge. The decoration is limited to the upper face where each scallop is further divided by a central triangular shaped chip carved pattern which is sub-divided further into two parts by a central line. This area of decoration along one edge is divided from that in the centre of the wrist clasp by a single border of white paste or possibly enamel. Beneath this line are a series of three (probably if complete – more) repeating panels. The central panel consists of a fine grid of raised square shaped pellets (arranged in five rows each of four pellets). The space between these rows is filled with a similar white coloured paste or enamel. Flanking this grid-like panel are two very similar panels each formed from four oval shaped cells arranged in a diagonal cross (saltire); each cell is filled with a similar white coloured paste or enamel. Beneath these three panels the design is completed with a parallel bar similar to that which separates the scalloped edge from the panels. The reverse face is plain and undecorated, it is however coated with a white metal (silvered) applied surface which is likely to have originally been applied to the upper face as well, abrasion and damage have removed the majority of this. The wrist clasp is a grey green colour with a polished but abraded patina that covers all surfaces. There are a number of areas of active corrosion and pitting. The clasp is also asymmetrical due to movement in the plough soil. The breaks are relatively old and maybe due to damage in antiquity. Similar wrist claps (although not a direct parallel) can be seen in The Ashmolean Catalogue of Anglo Saxon Collections, specifically 29.25-26. (pp 179-80)