STRAP END

A copper-alloy composite strap-end of Medieval date.

The strap-end comprises two equal-sized plates, separated from each other by a spacer which occupies the lower two thirds, leaving the upper third open for the now-missing strap. The upper plate is sub-rectangular, with a slight narrowing towards the bottom. An incised saltire of rocker-arm grooves decorates the upper half of this plate, while the lower portion has had its edges bevelled on either side, below which two opposing 'U-shaped' cut-outs extend right through the strap-end. The basal terminal is joined to the sub-rectangular portion by a short, parallel-sided arm and is oval in plan, with a roughly cruciform projection at its bottom. The back plate is plain. A copper-alloy rivet survives in situ, located a short distance below the straight top side and extending across the slot, linking the two plates together. The head of a second rivet is visible approximately halfway down the strap-end. The spacer is only visible from the side of the piece and appears to extend the entire width of the object.

Length: 52.2mm; width: 12.4mm; thickness: 2.8mm; weight: 10.1g.

Several examples of strap-ends were found in excavations in London, with this particular example probably fitting into the category of 'Composite strap-ends with sheet spacers occupying the whole width' (Egan and Pritchard 1991: 146 - 148). The majority of such pieces were found in 14th century levels, with three from late 13th century contexts (ibid.).