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STRAP END
Unique ID: NCL-271B97
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete copper-alloy Thomas class A1 strap end of the later Early Medieval period, c. AD 800-1100.
The strape end is sub-rectangular in shape, with a rounded pseudo-mousehead terminal and a body with openwork decoration and silver inlays. The attachment end is cast-integral and not split, but rather has two circular holes at the outer corners, the sides of which have been lost. The main feature of decoration consists of two lonzenge-shaped silver inlays bearing punched circle-and-dot decoration in a cruciform pattern. These inlays are set within a lozenge-shaped cell, with a similar shaped border and central spine. The openwork is found in the quarters above and below the larger, 'higher' inlay, with arched vines or beatly necks with heads bridging the outsides.
The reverse is undecorated.
The openwork and silver inlays may be an Anglo-Scandinavian influence, and the strap end may be more likely to date to the later 10th and 11th centuries. Certainly, the openwork and use of lozenge-shaped panels is consistent with class E1 and E2 strap ends. However, the overall shape, size, and pseudo-zoomorphic terminal is more in keeping with a class A1. Thus, this strap end may be seen as a fusion of the two classes.
Find of note status
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Class: Thomas class A1
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 800
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 35.38 mm
Width: 14.05 mm
Thickness: 3.58 mm
Weight: 4.9 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 7th October 2013 - Monday 2nd December 2013
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with other or unknown
Spatial metadata
Region: North East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Northumberland (Unitary Authority)
District: Northumberland (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Thirston (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: NZ1999
Four figure Latitude: 55.28476592
Four figure longitude: -1.70241078
1:25K map: NZ1999
1:10K map: NZ19NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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