STRAP FITTING

A complete copper alloy strap fitting. A purse hanger. The object comprises a large hook extending into a rectangular frame with two apertures. The hook has a backward projecting zoomorphic terminal at the top of the arm. This is in the form of a heavily stylised beast head with recessed muzle and an open, beak-like mouth. Below this and extending down at a right-angle is a recessed recangular section. This is decorated with two areas of obtuse angled cross hatched decoration separated buy an unceorated diagonal band. At the end of this, on the insideof the curvrving hook, is an oval, pointed projection. The hook then widens into a D sectioned curve (at the start of which is a shield-shaped boss decorated with an incised saltire) before expanding into the rectangular frame. The frame is set in the same alignment as the arm so that it extends backwards. There are two apertures, the upper large and rectangular, the lower is smaller and circular. The surface of the object has traces of a black finish similar to that seen on some post medieval buckles.
Date: Late Medieval - Early Post Medieval c. 1450 -1550
Dimensions: 56.55 mm x 32.72 mm x 11.67 mm
Weight: 30.94 g
Identified by David Williams as a purse hanger for the attachment of a framed purse to a belt. Similar to PAS database records DOR-C20CB0 and HAMP-32A607. Also similar examples can be seen in Read, B, 2008, Hooked Clasps and Eyes, pages 214 - 215, nos. 771 - 773