STRAP END

A cast copper-alloy Anglo-Saxon strap end of Thomas Class A Type 5. It is sub-oval in shape with convex sides, tapering to a decorative zoomorphic terminal. The terminal has a flattened snout that is slightly globular in form, above which are two oval shaped eyes and traces of a worn, incised lozenege shaped motif between them. At the top of the terminal are two rounded ears with crescentic decoration and a chip carved recessed triangular motif between them. The sides of the plate have longitudinal borders with incised pelleted decoration. Within the borders is a central decorative panel that mirrors the shape of the strap end and has incised borders along each side. At the attachment end it has an incised semi-circular shaped motif. Between this and the terminal end is an incomplete panel of niello with inlaid silver wire consiting of three parallel strands of wire each with their ends spiralling to meet at the centre of the plate. The split attachment end has two cylindrical copper-alloy rivets that pierce both top and bottom plates and have flattened round heads. The reverse face of the strap end is flat and undecorated and the wntire object has worn surfaces with traces of a dark brown patina. It measures 33.63mm in length, 10.59mm in width, 3.14mm in thickness, and weighs 4.90g.

This strap end falls into Thomas' Class A Saxon strap ends and is further defined as a Type 5 strap end due to the presence of the split attachment end, the shape of the plate, the zoomorphic terminal and the central decorative panel with inlaid niello and silver wire (see Thomas, 2003: pp. 2, fig. 1). This indicates a date in the 9th century AD for the current example.