BUCKLE

A Medieval copper alloy single looped buckle, probably dating from about AD 1350-1400.The buckle has a rectangular frame with slightly convex sides and ridges in each corner, the sides being sub-rectangular in cross section. The bar is offset and narrowed, sub-rectangular in cross section, with a central band of wear where the pin articulates. The outer edge of the frame is expanded, widening and tapering to a point on the outside edge, creating a sub-triangular cross-section. On the upper face of the buckle this expanded section bears a series of filed grooves, with three central creating a rest for the pin, and with a further line on each side of the expanded section. The reverse is plain.

Part of the pin survives and is unusual. It either has a very wide, flat collar next to the loop, or part of the plate also survives. The details are obscured by a mass of corrosion and soil concretion. The loop of the pin is complete and articulates with the bar. An incomplete slightly convex plate forms a collar which is now oval in plan, but the edges are all damaged. The pin appears to continue on the far side of the plate, but is thicker. This arrangement could also be interpreted as a rivet and rove to attach the buckle to a larger object, in which case, the pin is missing.

The buckle is 19.9mm long, 20.9mm wide and 10.1mm thick with the pin and plate folded across the frame. 4,66g.

This buckle frame is of Meols type C, illustrated by Griffiths, Philpott and Egan, (2007:99, no. 710), which they date to the late 14th century (ibid: 97); comparable examples of this date excavated in London can be seen published by Egan & Pritchard (2002: 96-97, nos. 434-439). Compare also SOM-06932C, HAMP-DA481A, SWYOR-CEAABC and HAMP-BF0553.