STRAP END

Late medieval copper alloy strap-end of 15^th century date

The strap-end is of 'Crescentic', two-piece type and is incomplete, missing the sheet copper alloy back-plate, the attachment end and part of the terminal (with a surviving length of 40.0mm and a weight of 15.3g). The strap-end was attached using two iron rivets, which remain in place near the attachment end. The ends of the crescent have been lost and the enclosed area has a cast openwork design of irregular lines radiating from a central point. The curved body of the strap-end is circular (with a diameter of 33.8mm). The decoration on the crescent is corroded and difficult to discern; there is a raised border and the suggestion of radiating lines. The terminal is truncated (with a surviving length of 11mm) and comprises two opposing C-scrolls, defining a central sub-triangular opening. The terminal is thinner than the circular body of the mount (with a thickness of 3.4mm). The body is deeper to accommodate the strap (with a thickness of 5.8mm) and the edge of the rear has a flange, which was soldered to the missing sheet back-plate. The surface is worn and corroded with a brown-green patina and patches of pale green corrosion.

'Crescent Type' strap ends were produced during the late medieval period, mostly in the 15^th century and often suggest the roots and branches of the 'Tree of Life'. This example may be seen as a debased variant of the form.