BOOK FITTING

An incomplete copper alloy book clasp catchpiece of Howsam type A.6.2, of late medieval or 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 incomplete. 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 2.4 mm) in a straight line. Two circular rivet holes are present close to the edge, with an internal diameter of 1.6 mm. These would have originally held rivets to secure 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, towards a rectangular 'eye' end, and extends into two rectangular projections, which wrap around a circular sectioned axis bar. The bar has a diameter of 2.5 mm. A circular sectioned copper alloy rivet is present just behind the eye. It has a diameter of 1.8 mm and tapers to a blunt point. The reverse is undecorated.

The book fitting measures 38.6 mm in length, a maximum width of 23.0 mm and is 5.3 mm thick (including rivets). It weighs 3.8 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-F52CD3; 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.