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STRAP FITTING
Unique ID: IOW-64F573
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete Medieval copper-alloy swivel strap fitting (c.1100-c. 1500).
The fitting, one of a pair, comprises a 'D'-shaped loop with moulded terminals to either side of the lower bar. The terminals possibly represent stylised forward facing beasts. The lower bar opens to a deeply recessed collar. The separate bar that connected with the other fitting is missing.
This fitting has a matt green patina with small areas of corrosion.
Length: 21.4mm; width: 24.0mm; thickness: 11.1mm. Weight: 7.90g.
Similar fittings have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds: BH-F91D77; DENO-D14C32; DUR-6AEB8E; KENT-EEAFD0; LEIC-1CBC1B; LIN-26C9BD; LIN-8483F3; SF-8C64EA; YORYM-AF13C3 and YORYM-BD6741.
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, but it is suggested that they may have formed part of a lead for pets. The stylised zoomorphic terminals are a typical feature of such objects.
Class: Swivel
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
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 1500
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 21.4 mm
Width: 24 mm
Thickness: 11.1 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 22nd March 2017 - Wednesday 22nd March 2017
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2017-7-80
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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