BUCKLE

An incomplete cast copper alloy partial buckle frame and plate, of Medieval dating (AD 1350 to AD 1450).

Approximately 75% of the buckle frame is present. The plate is complete. The pin is missing.

The buckle frame is sub rectangular in plan, and is D shaped in section. The buckle frame would originally have had a separate spindle at the far end, it has broken across the holes for the spindle.

The buckle plate is sub rectangular in plan and consists of copper alloy sheet metal folded around the base of the buckle. A sub rectangular pin slot has been cut in the centre, and the plate has been recessed on both sides for the buckle frame. Neither the front or the back of the buckle plate have been decorated. A circular sectioned copper alloy rivet is present at the back of the plate, securing the plate to the leather or textile belt or strap. The rivet has a diameter of 2.18 mm. The remains of the original organic belt or strap are still present between both sides of the buckle plate.

The buckle frame measures 13.45 mm in length, 18.74 mm wide and 3.35 mm thick. The buckle plate measures 29.46 mm in length, 16.58 mm wide and 1.17 mm thick. Together they measure 40.47 mm in length, 18.74 mm wide and 4.60 mm thick. They weigh 5.1 g.

The buckle is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail and patina. In these areas, the buckle is a lighter green colour. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion (bronze disease) occurring. This is a bright green powdery residue. To reduce the risk of this occurring, the buckle should be stored in a sealed air tight dry box, such as a sealed tupperware box with a liquid seal, lined with acid free tissue paper and silica gel.

This buckle is slightly unusual as the frame is consistent with that of a composite single loop folding strap clasp with a separate spindle. However the presence of the pin slot in the buckle plate would indicate that a pin was present, and it operated as a buckle as opposed to a clasp, which have a folding end and do not require a pin. Both buckles and clasps of this style are considered to be Late Medieval in dating (c. AD 1350 to c.AD 1450).