BOOK FITTING

A complete copper alloy book fitting or clasp, of Early Post Medieval dating (AD 1500 to AD 1650).

The book fitting is sub rectangular in plan, with concave sides. One end, the strap attachment end, flares in plan and forms a 'fishtail' shape with the outer edge complete. The other end of the book clasp has been decorated with multiple thin engraved diagonal lines in a feather style design. These 'feathers' reach up to three small circular holes (internal diameter 1.5 mm) in a straight line. Two circular sectioned iron rivets remain in place. These rivets would have originally secured a back plate to the front plate, with the leather strap between them. The back plate is no longer present. The opposite end widens slightly and has a projecting integral blunt hook which turns down through an angle of around 45 degrees. A large ring and dot design is present at the centre. At the hook end, a series of fine horizontal lines of different lengths, making a zig zag style line. The reverse is undecorated.

The book fitting measures 84.4 mm in length, a maximum width of 26.9 mm and is 5.5 mm thick (including rivets). It weighs 14.1 g.

The book fitting is a mid brown 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.

The form and decoration are typical of book clasps of the early post-medieval period, as discussed by Margeson (1993: 74). Many similar example can be seen on the PAS database e.g. WMID-E6F4E6; YORYM-9FEF34 and SOM-1D5355.

Reference:
Margeson, S. 1993. Norwich Households: The Medieval and Post-Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-1978. East Anglian Archaeology 58. Witley Press, Hunstanton.