Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
STRAP END
Unique ID: HESH-CB5842
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A fragment from a cast copper alloy 'Winchester Style' strap end of later early medieval date (900 - 1100 AD). Only the very tip of the strap end survives - the beaks on the edges are all heavily eroded . In plan the fragment is semi-circular (D shaped) and in section it is lentoid. The exterior edge is decorated with a series of D shaped arches, from the base of each arch a lentoid rib extends which conjoin at the mid point. The centre of each rib is decorated with a single incised line - possibly inlaid with niello. In the area between the ribs are two cast irregular oval / teardrop shaped holes. On the lower edge are two further holes - which are incomplete. The reverse face is similarly decorated. A dark black coloured surface is present in places - this may be the result of a decayed silvering or tinning. The strap end if a light green colour with a poorly preserved surface patina - there are many areas of active corrosion present and the condition of the piece is generally poor. A direct parallel has not been found - although it is similar to an example from Milborne Port, Somerset (SOMDOR-81A196). This example fits with Thomas' class E 1 (2004; p3) which dates to the 10th and 11th centuries AD.
The strap end measures 20.4mm length, 27.4mm width is 3.0mm thick and weighs 5.35 grams
Thanks are extended to Charlotte Burrill for help with the identification of the fragmentary piece.
PAS record:
Milborne Port, Somerset (SOMDOR-81A196) http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/141401
Class: Thomas Class E, Type 1
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 900
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 20.4 mm
Width: 27.4 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 5.35 g
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: SMS Entry Form: SHRMS: E.00467
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Geometric
Completeness: Fragment
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with niello
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hertfordshire (County)
District: East Hertfordshire (District)
To be known as: High Wych
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From 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. |
Similar objects
Find number: LON-6AF058
Object type: PIN
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
An early post-medieval gilded silver ball-headed pin dating to the 16th century (c.1500-c.1600), now in two fragments. The head is decorated …
Workflow: Published
Find number: SOM-54FE14
Object type: TOKEN
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
A post-medieval copper-alloy 17th-century trade token farthing issued by Robert Plucknett of Milborne Port in Somerset, Williamson Somerset 1…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: HESH-6304D4
Object type: BROOCH
Broadperiod: ROMAN
An incomplete cast copper alloy brooch of Colchester derivative Polden Hill (Mackreth Group 4, flat wing ends), c.f. Mackreth 2011, 4.i1. Pla…
Workflow: Published
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618