Rights Holder: Hampshire Cultural Trust
CC License:
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Unique ID: HAMP-4F6215
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A medieval (c.1100-1200) copper alloy probable component of a swivel strap-fitting, comprising a hollow hemisphere decorated with four panels of openwork decoration around a central hole at the apex (7.6mm in diameter). Each panel is semi-circular in shape and defined by a deep groove. Four holes inside this follow the line of the curve and are divided into two pairs by a central raised element triangular in three instances and larger and rectangular in the fourth. A further groove runs around the open edge of the object, giving each panel a base line. The area between the segments forms an equal-armed cross and along two of the arms (between semi-cirlces) there is a vertical groove.
The central hole is set slightly off-centre. To the reverse are traces of a white substance, possibly lead, which might suggest this is from a lead weight. The patina of the copper alloy is mid-green in colour, shiny and mostly smooth. There are traces of dark grey/ brown residue along the grooves in particular, suggesting a possible inlay now lost.
The object measures 29.7mm in diameter, stands 8.5mm in height, is max.2.2mm thick and weighs 9.85g.
Notes:
Cf. LON-831163 and HAMP-0557A1 on this database. With thanks to Ben Paites (Essex FLO) for finding these parallels and to David Williams (Surrey and East Berks FLO) for suggesting a 12th century date.
Swivel mechanisms were employed for a variety of functions during the medieval period as strap-fittings and as such a specific function cannot be attributed to them. They are more often found singly rather than complete and comprise two moveable hemispheres and a central looped bolt. A complete example can be seen on the database in record SF-235495.
Class: swivel
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1200
Quantity: 1
Height: 8.5 mm
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Weight: 9.85 g
Diameter: 29.7 mm
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Other reference: Hampshire Cultural Trust Entry Form WINCM 39
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.