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BOOK FITTING
Unique ID: BH-379BB7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
An incomplete copper-alloy book-clasp of Late Medieval date.
The central element is oval with a convex upper surface and a central peg hole. Protruding from one side is a terminal in the form of a zoomorphic head which has moulded features, including a pronounced nose, brow ridge and gaping mouth. The head tapers towards the bottom, has vertical outer sides and there is a transverse hole from side to side through the head, at the back of the mouth.
To the other side of the central oval area is a wide transverse ridge; above this is a forked spacer which has stepped inner sides and may have lost its points. On each side of this forked spacer is adhering solder which would have attached the now-missing plates. The artefact measures 37.8mm long, 14.9mm wide and 4.8mm thick. The weight is 7.41g.
This book-clasp is of Howsam's type A.2, and is dated by its similarity to composite strap-ends and buckles to the 14th or early 15th centuries.
Class:
clasp
Sub class: Howsam type A.2
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Exactly AD 1450
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 37.8 mm
Width: 14.9 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 7.41 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 30th May 2010
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 10/79 - 7
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hertfordshire (County)
District: North Hertfordshire (District)
To be known as: Kelshall
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egan, G. | 1998 | The Medieval Household: Daily Living c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London) | London | The Stationery Office | 277-280 | ||
| Hagen, R. | 1973 | Two Late Medieval Bronze Belt Chapes | Luton | Bedfordshire Archaeological Council |
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Timeline of associated dates
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