CURTAIN FITTING

Medieval or early Post Medieval (14th to 18th century) curtaining fitting or suspension loop: A copper alloy sub-oval copper alloy ring with a bi-trapezoidal section. There are file marks on the surface. The surface of the loop has patches of a well-developed dark grey patina but is mainly heavily abraded. It measures 27.7mm diameter and 3.48mm thick. It weighs 5.24g.

Similar rings are illustrated in Margeson (1993) Nos. 522-524, and she describes them as being suspension rings which were probably multi-functional, including curtain rings. The three excavated from Norwich date from the mid-15th to mid-17th century. Courtney (1993) describes three similar loops Nos. 32-34, describing them as rings dating to the 17th century. Egan (pers comm) suggested they date from the 14th to 18th century and there is evidence they were used as curtain rings. There is a possibility this is a type of suspension ring, possibly for a sword fitting, harness or strap fitting.

Courtney, P., 1993. 'The Medieval and Post-Medieval Objects'. In Ellis, P, Beeston Castle, Cheshire; Excavations by Lawrence Keen and Peter Hough, 1968-85 London: English Heritage and Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England.

Margeson, S., 1993. Norwich Households; Medieval and Post Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-78. East Anglian Archaeology Report No. 58. Norwich: Norwich Survey/Norfolk Museums Service