STRAP END

Medieval (mid 14th-century to mid 15th centuries) composite strap end: The copper alloy strap end is composed of a spacer and two plates. The spacer has a decorative knop in the form of an acorn with a collar below. Integral to the collar is the portion of the spacer which is positioned within the two plates of the strap end. This portion has a perforated disc with two arms protruding from the opposite edge to the knop. One arm is are incomplete. The surface of the strap end on the knop has a well-developed dark green coloured patina, whereas the rest of the spacer has a matte, mottled mid green coloured surface.

The two plates have an oval portion which would be positioned over the perforated disc. Integral to the oval portion has a rectangular plate which terminates with a droplet shaped openwork and has two rivet holes. One plate has a broken terminal. The outer face of the plates has a mid green patina, and the interior surface is a matte mottled grey-green colour.

When the composite portions are put together the strap end measures 56.51mm long, 20.88mm wide, 4.73mm thick and weighs 10.47g.

This strap-end is a composite strap end with a forked spacer. Egan and Pritchard (2002), illustrate similar strap ends, Nos. 651-652 which date from the mid 14th-century to mid 15th centuries.

Egan, G. and Pritchard, F., 2002Dress Accessories, c. 1150- c. 1450 (Medieval finds from Excavations in London)London: Boydell Press