STRAP FITTING

A cast copper-alloy strap-fitting probably from a medieval horse harness. It is sub rectangular, with a rectangular loop at one end (16.6mm x 12.1mm), and a triangular terminal at the other (8.0mm x 9.1mm), perforated for a rivet. Within and around the hole is iron corrosion. Between the square loop and the rivet hole the fitting is long and narrow in plan with a flat lower surface. Below the loop is a section 7.1mm wide (over 10.5mm) with a trapezoidal cross-section given by bevelling to the sides on the upper surface. This ends with a transverse moulding with rounded corners decorated with an incision on its upper surface (W.: 11.1mm). The mount steps down to a similar moulding (Th.: 3.9mm), this time without any obvious decoration, perforated for another rivet which survives corroded in situ. Traces of orange-brown corrosion product are extensive on the lower surface at this point, but also between this point and the terminal, and at the loop. Between this area and the terminal described are three transverse ridges, all with spaces between.

The square attachment loop suggests an 11th- to 12th-century date; similar examples from Hampshire have been recorded on this database (HAMP-A0D6B3, HAMP-4ACCA5). The fitting is a reddish-brown with large patches of a light green surface colour. The lower surface is particularly corroded; there are two longitudinal areas which may represent either gouged removals or heavy corrosion between the loop and the main moulded area. A similar example can be found illustrated Bowsher (et al. 2007, 452; fig. 387.S44).