CLASP

An incomplete copper alloy strap clasp or buckle frame, of Medieval dating (c. AD 1350 to AD 1400).

The clasp or buckle has an incomplete rectangular frame with an integrally cast anthropomorphic king's head design in high relief at one end. Although the facial features are worn, grooves visible on either side of the head represent hair, and the crown is perforated with two holes. The reverse of the fitting is hollow and the surviving fragments of the arms, which form the sides of the frame are set in an upright position thereby creating depth to the central opening. The strap bar is missing.

The clasp or buckle frame measures 27.6 mm in length, 18.1 mm wide and 5.8 mm thick. It weighs 4.6 g.

The clasp or buckle frame is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

A very similar example is illustrated in Egan & Pritchard (2002, pp 119 & 120, fig 78, #568). Egan & Pritchard state that 'further examples of these distinctive, well-made two-part clasps with crowned heads have been found on the site of a medieval village in Lincolnshire believed to have been deserted around the middle of the 14th century, and another found at Dover has raised hands to the sides of the head' (page 120). Several others have been recorded on the PAS database including WMID-7FE398, WMID-D3B183, WMID-4D14A6 and WMID-CD7CE7.

Reference:
Egan, G. 2002 Buckles in. Egan and Pritchard 2002. pp 50-123

Egan, G. & Pritchard, F. 2002. Dress Accessories c.1150-c.1450. Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 3. Museum of London. Boydell Press.