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STRAP FITTING
Unique ID: LVPL-78EA04
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete cast copper alloy swivel strap fitting of medieval date. The loop of the swivel is circular in both plan and section and has wide circular base from which an integrally cast shank extends. The loop terminates in stylised moulded animal heads. The base is decorated with 7 incuse circle and dot motifs arranged around the edge. The shank is short and terminates in a worn though slightly bulbous knop. The metal has an even dark green patina and is slightly worn. The swivel is 34.19mm long, 20.51mm wide, 15.90mm thick and weighs 19.1g.
Notes:
Swivel mechanisms such as this 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 (see SF-235495 on this database for a complete example). The stylised (Romanesque) animal heads are typical of this class of object, and the entire appearance and manufacture of the object indicates a date range in the 12th-15th centuries AD for the current example (Geake 2001, 72) given the longevity of the style.
Class: Swivel
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 34.19 mm
Width: 20.51 mm
Thickness: 15.9 mm
Weight: 19.1 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 5th August 2015 - Wednesday 4th November 2015
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Decoration style: Zoomorphic
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial data
No spatial data available.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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