STRAP FITTING

An incomplete copper alloy post medieval openwork belt fitting for a sword belt, baldrick or horse harness dating to the period c. AD 1500 - 1700. The mount consists of an openwork trefoliate plate with an integral perforated lug projecting from one side. The lug retains the corroded remains of an iron rivet. On the opposite side of the trefoil there is a circular perforation also containing the corroded remains of an iron rivet. On the same side, the fitting exhibits two upwards pointing projections which terminate in an old break and may be part of a continuation of the openwork design. To the side the mount also terminates in an old break. There is an integral suspension loop projecting from the bottom edge of the trefoil. It retains an incomplete pendant loop. The hook passes through the suspension loop and is bent back on itself to touch the plate. Below this there is a central perforation containing the corroded remains of an iron rivet with a circular knop on either side. The pendant loop then bifurcates into an openwork design, probably of a trefoil, but is incomplete due to old breaks. There are traces of white metal coating such as tinning on the obverse.

Such fittings are seldom found complete, elements and broken examples are far more common. Similar examples of this type of strap fitting can be found on this database including: BERK-3BB772 & WMID-BC05FA.

The belt fitting measures 34.35mm in length, 35.14mm in width and is 2.36mm thick. The pendant loop measures 34.78mm in length, 13.77mm in width and is 2.47mm thick. In total the belt fitting weighs 12.44g.