BUCKLE

Part of a cast copper alloy buckle plate from a Late Medieval single loop trapezoidal buckle, dating from c.1350 to c. 1500.

The find consists of the front part of a folded buckle plate. It is irregular in plan, but probably originally would have been rectangular in shape. The left hand edge demonstrates two rectangular projections (one complete (12.85mm, one partially), which would have been folded around the central spindle (bar) of the buckle. It consists of a type of folded buckle plate which exhibits a slot present for the pin. The projections have broken at the point of folding. The upper and lower edges of the plate have been recessed to allow for the frame. The front of the buckle demonstrates some faint incised / scored lines of decoration in a diagonal pattern.

The plate has one rivet hole remaining, located centrally next to the pin slot. The base of the rivet is still present, bent over on the reverse of the plate.

The buckle plate retains traces of gilding or gold leaf on the surface, mainly around the rivet hole. The underside of the buckle plate, which would have been touching the belt leather is plain. A patchy green patina is present covering the surface. Where the patina has flaked off, the plate is a reddish brown colour.

The buckle plate measures 31.75mm in length, 28.94mm wide and 5.36mm thick. The metal is 1.93mm thick. It weighs 7.0 grams.

Buckle plates of this style were used in conjunction with single loop trapezoidal frames during the Medieval period, typically between c. 1350 to c. 1450 AD.