BOOK FITTING

A complete Early Post Medieval copper alloy book clasp, dating to circa AD 1500-1700.

The clasp is broadly rectangular in plan with parallel sides. At one end the outer edge slightly flares to a serrated edge. Below this outer edge is a circular rivet hole with the rivet still in situ. There is a further rivet hole placed in the centre of the object. although this rivet is now missing. The book clasp then broadens at the point of the central rivet hole to a terminal with a flat edge that has an integral hook that has been folded towards the reverse of the clasp. there is a third rivet hols with rivet in situ located at the upper end of the object. The front of the object is decorated. Around the rivet holes is a circumferential impression. Two broad ribs then extend between the two rivet holes. Beyond the central rivet hole the decoration is in bands. The first band had vertical linear impressions. The second band has a zig zag pattern. the third band located above the rivet and at the upper dege also has a zig zag pattern. The reverse is not decorated and has some iron staining present from the iron rivets. The book fitting has a mid- green to brown coloured patina covering all surfaces.

Margeson (1993) illustrates a number of book fittings all dating to the Early Post Medieval period. Examples 453 and 454 have been decorated with pierced holes and have serrated edges. Margeson describes how Early Post Medieval book clasps were riveted in position. The hook similar to this example, would have then attached to an 'eye' plate on the cover of the book to keep it closed. There are similar book fittings with similar decoration recorded on the PAS database including; WMID-E6F4E6; YORYM-9FEF34 and HAMP-FC0702.

The clasp measures 41.63 mm in length, 13.77 mm in width, 1.01 mm thickness and weighs 2.8 g.

Margeson: S. (1993 ) Norwich Households: The Medieval and Post Medieval finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-1978.Norwich, Norfolk Museums Service.