STRAP END

Medieval copper alloy strap end, 37mm long, 20mm wide and 7mm thick with a weight of 13.85grams. The object is rectangular in form and cross section and appears complete. It consists of a rectangular plate which has been folded in half and riveted together at its far end. The majority of the object is plain, but its upper surface terminates in an offset square motif with bevelled edges. This creates a pointed terminal and two small triangular recesses where this joins the main plate. This terminal is decorated with a recessed motif, consisting of six joined 'petal' shaped recesses surrounding a central raised circular projection. This is filled and it appears to be alternating red and yellow enamel? The underside of the object terminates in a rounded edge, to ensure it sits behind the upper plate, and this holds the circular domed rivet. Although the majority of the object is plain, it has patches of heavy gilding, particularly on its edges which suggests the whole object was once heavily gilded.

SWYOR-4CB558 provides a parallel and notes

'Laura Burnett and Geoff Egan identified this type. They note that "While strap ends made of a piece folded widthways are known from the Medieval period, the use of an integral, crude rivet and style suggests it is of Romanesque style and dates from the 12th or early 13th centuries". NMS-C08923 is also similar and suggests a Medieval date, citing examples in Ashley. Compare also LVPL-91E1F0. Similar but more decorated examples such as NMS-47C701 and NMS-D0F254 which is heraldic, are attributed to the 13th or 14th century'.