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STRAP END
Unique ID: HESH-64B68C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
An incomplete cast copper alloy forked spacer from a composite strap-end of medieval date (1300-1450 AD). The spacer has a circular frame, with a lozengiform collared projection, probably intended as an acorn knop, at one end and two scars from the prongs of a forked spacer at the other. Apart from the acorn knop it is undecorated. The knop is thicker than the rest of the flat frame. The forked spacer is a mid grey-green colour with an even but abraded patina which covers all surfaces. A series of diagonal filed marks are present on both faces beneath the patinated surface.
Several similar composite strap-ends with circular spacers can be seen in Egan' and Pritchard 1991, 140-1. They would have had circular and/or trapezoidal plates soldered on to form front and back plate, and are dated to the late 13th to early 15th centuries, being most common in the 14th century. Although mass produced, they were labour intensive and of the best quality available.
The forked spacer measures 33.5mm in length, 21.3mm in width, is 3.7mm thick across the knop and 2.1mm across the plate; it weighs 4.0g.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1270
Date to: Circa AD 1450
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 33.5 mm
Width: 21.3 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 4 g
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: HFD Entry Form No: HFDMG 3200
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Worcestershire (County)
District: Wychavon (District)
To be known as: Piddle
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. | 2002 | Dress Accessories, c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London) (2002) | London | HMSO |
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Timeline of associated dates
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