SWORD BELT

Post Medieval sword belt strap fitting or mount: a fragment of a probable copper alloy mount which is sub-rectangular with 'W' shaped sides and a rounded terminals, but both terminals appear to broken edges, and these breaks did not occur recently. In profile the plate is convex on the outer surface and concave on the reverse. The outer surface is decorated with moulded motifs, which are possibly a floral design. At each terminal there is a rivet hole with the remains of an iron rivet. The object now has a mottled patina and traces of corrosion and abrasion. The fitting measures 34.15mm long, 13.89mm wide, and 4.44mm thick. It weighs 3.59g.

These strap-fittings tend to consist of a mount with three suspension loops from which hang a trio of hooked plates; the scabbard straps would have been attached to these plates. The ensemble features foliate decoration on their visible faces: an illustration of a complete sword-belt fitting can be found in Read (1995). Their design and decoration are relatively standardised. And Gaimster (Gaimster 1988) narrows down the date to the mid 16^th to early 17^th centuries.

Gaimster, D. 1988 'Two post-medieval sword-belt fittings from Pyecombe, West Sussex' p. 245ff. Post Medieval Archaeology

Read, B. 1995 History Beneath Our Feet Anglia Publishing, Ipswich