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STRAP END
Unique ID: SUSS-6D2C70
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Early Medieval cast copper-alloy strap end of Thomas Class B, Type 1 with wedge shaped attachment end and expanded, moulded animal-head, terminal. The wedge shaped attachment end had a split through the centre which has broken, with an old break, leaving only the back part attached to the strap end. It has two circular attachment holes in the upper corners, one broken with old breaks, and is 8.7mm wide. From the lower end of the attachment end it is rectangular in section with a slightly convex curved top and parallel sides down to the terminal; 4.5 by 4.4mm. There are traces of transverse grooves in two groups of three, one near the bottom of the attachment end, one just above the terminal; these are worn on the front but visible on the side.
The terminal is flush with the upper part at the back and front but steps out to 5.9mm wide before tapering in to 4.3mm wide at the blunt end. It is in the form of a well moulded 3D animal head, probably a dog or bear facing downwards with a moulded ears, eyes with circular indents and nose with indented nostrils. The object is a dark green colour. It is 40.7mm long, and weighs 4.83 grams.
Thomas (2003:4) suggests class B1 was a popular type introduced in the later 8th century and common into the 11th century; it is widespread across the South and South East.
Class: Thomas Class B, Type 1
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 750
Date to: Circa AD 1050
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 40.7 mm
Width: 8.7 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 4.83 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 15th May 2010
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: West Sussex (County)
District: Horsham (District)
To be known as: Bramber
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas, G. | 2003 | Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part I | Lincolnshire | Finds Research Group AD 700-1700. | 4 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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