STRAP FITTING

Incomplete stamped copper-alloy cricketer's belt or sash fastener. Originally an oval cartouche with an integral transverse bar at one end, but the lower left side (as viewed) has suffered bending and impact damage. The cartouche contains a stamped decoration depicting a standing central batsman, facing, and leaning on his bat in a relaxed cross-legged pose, with one hand in his pocket. To his left is a standing player leaning forward towards the batsman and attending to the stumps. To the batsman's right is a kneeling figure adjusting his pads. In the background behind the left figure is a tall tree in leaf and to the right a marquee tent with flag flying from a central pole. The spandrels of the bar at the attachment end are decorated with cricket bats in a triangular configuration with a ball in the centre. On the reverse side the terminal end has a wide curved hooked-tag for attachment. Circa 1850-1920AD. Length 55mm, width estimated 43mm.

According to the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum brass buckles were introduced in the 1850s, belts and sashes were early sought-after fashion accessories and soon became an important part of cricketing attire. These buckles would have been fitted to a canvas belt often printed with a cricket design. By 1868 belts were out of fashion and were replaced by elastic bands. However belts and sashes in appropriate Club colours continued to be worn for scorecard identification.