STRAP FITTING

An incomplete cast copper alloy belt mount or strap fitting, of Post Medieval dating (15th to 17th Centuries AD).

The belt mount is lozengeform (diamond) in plan and flat in profile. It consists of an openwork lozenge style mount, with two integrally cast attachment spikes on the rear of the mount. Both the front and the back of the mount are plain and undecorated. The front demonstrates a slight bevelling to the edges. The central hole is lozengeform in plan and positioned centrally. The rear exhibits two cast attachment spikes, both now incomplete. One is located at the top and the other at the bottom of the mount. The shank of each attachment spike is circular in cross section.

The mount is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina.

It measures 23.91in length, 15.99mm wide and 5.34mm thick. The front of the mount is 1.59mm thick. The attachment spikes have a diameter of 2.41mm. The central openwork hole measures 7.79mm in length and 5.63mm wide. The mount weighs 2.1 grams.

Belt mounts or strap fittings are common finds and come in a variety of different designs. Those with two attachment spikes are thought to be later in date (15th to 17th Centuries AD) than those with one (13th to 14th Centuries AD). This lozenge or diamond style belt mount is not one of the most frequently encountered styles, but can be paralleled by #71 (Read, 2001, p11), #371 (Read, 1995, p68) and #142 (Egan, 2005, p.40).

References:
Egan, G. 2005. Material Culture in London in an age of Transition. MoLAS Monograph 19. Museum of London.
Read, B. 1995. History Beneath Our Feet. Anglia Publishing. Ipswich.
Read, B. 2001. Metal Artefacts of Antiquity. A Catalogue of Small Finds from Specific Areas of the United Kingdom. Portcullis Publishing. Langport