Rights Holder: York Museums Trust
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
STRAP END
Unique ID: YORYM-7821B5
Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete early medieval cast silver strap-end (c.800 - 950 AD). The strap end is sub-rectangular in form with convex sides converging in a zoomorphic terminal at one end. At the attachment end the plate splits, with two circular rivet holes in both sheets. The edge of the upper sheet has broken off and left a jagged edge that extends from about halfway down the body of the strap end all the way around the attachment sheet; both rivet holes have been truncated in half in the process. Similarly, one corner of the bottom sheet has been broken off. Part of a copper alloy rivet remains in the surviving complete rivet hole.
The strap-end is decorated on the upper surface. A trilobed palmette extends from between the two rivet holes and fans out beneath them. It is distinguished from the decorative motif below by a band that follows the edge of the palmette. The main panel of the strap-end features a zoomorphic design showing a backwards-facing animal in the Trewhiddle style, with a circular hole representing its eye. The terminal of the strap-end is in the form of a stylised animal mask, with incised lines forming the features and terminating in a blunt snout.
There are two prominent notches in one edge of the strap-end and the back surface is quite scratched; otherwise, it is in very good condition and the decorative detail is clear.
Notes:
This strap-end can be categorised as Thomas's Class A, Type 1, which are decorated in the Trewhiddle Style (Thomas 2003, p. 2, fig. 1.1-4; Thomas 2000, pp. 71-88). Numerous strap-ends of this type are now recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. The form and decoration of the present strap-end are similar to other recorded examples such as HESH-845014 (2004 T492) and LEIC-53D3E4 (2013 T25). The use of the Trewhiddle Style provides a date between the ninth and early tenth centuries.
Date:
Ninth to early tenth centuries
Conclusion:
The object fulfils the Treasure Act (1996) in that it is more than 300 years old and has a precious metal content exceeding 10%.
References:
Thomas, G., 2000. A Survey of Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age Strap-Ends from Britain. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of London
Thomas, G., 2003. Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age Strap-ends 750-1100: Part 1. Finds Research Group Datasheet 32
Class: Thomas' Class A, Type 1
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2017T886
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 800
Date to: Exactly AD 925
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 42.8 mm
Width: 14.68 mm
Thickness: 2.63 mm
Weight: 7.39 g
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: YMT : E05515
Treasure case number: 2017T886
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Decoration style: Zoomorphic
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Harrogate (District)
Parish or ward: Markington with Wallerthwaite (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SE2766
Four figure Latitude: 54.08920531
Four figure longitude: -1.58871935
1:25K map: SE2766
1:10K map: SE26NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: SWYOR-E61B80
Object type: STRAP END
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
A copper alloy Early Medieval strap end fitting into Thomas's Class A. The strap end is oval and has a zoomorphic terminal which is damaged a…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: BM-25CA6C
Object type: STRAP END
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
A complete early medieval silver strap-end dating to the ninth to early tenth century. The strap-end is sub-rectangular in plan with convex si…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: KENT-112CEC
Object type: STRAP END
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
An incomplete, cast, copper-alloy strap end with silver studs and silver front plate, dating to the Early Medieval period.
Description: …
Workflow: Published
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618