STRAP FITTING

An incomplete copper-alloy eye-section for a belt or strap fitting of the Late Post Medieval period, dating from c. 1800 - c. 1850.

The object is composed of two integral parts, a domed plate with an attachment loop at either end. At the opposite side there is an integrally cast suspension loop set at a right angle to the plate, this has a circular perforation through the centre (diameter: 4.13 mm). The domed plate has a prominent forward facing male lion's head at the centre. It has a heavy mane. It is quite naturalistic in design suggesting a later date. The plate is concave at the rear. The reverse is undecorated.

The object measures 27.9 mm in length and is 31.8 mm wide (including the suspension loop) and 22.03 mm wide (without suspension loop). It has a thickness of 8.4 mm and weighs 9.4 g.

The object is a mid green in colour with traces of gold coloured gilding on the surface, it has an even patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.

A similar eye-section together with its hook has been published and dated to the early 19th century (Read 2008: 231, ref: 826). However in this example the suspension loop is on the opposite side.

Similar fittings have also been recorded on The Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds: IOW-9E5D93; SOMDOR-FAE740, WMID-15C660 and IOW-8D5FF0.