STRAP FITTING

A copper alloy composite strap fitting/strap-end with hooked terminal probably of medieval date. The object consists of two sub-rectangular plates held together with an incomplete hook projecting from between each plate. One plate is almost complete and is decorated with an incised rectangular panel containing worn decoration possibly in the form of interlace, cross-hatching or foliage. Where the object expands in width at the point where the hook projects the plate is decorated with three curved grooves which run the length of the rectangular panel curving around a rivet hole in the centre.

The plate at the rear of the object is fragmentary and too worn to see if any decoration was once present. Two circular sectioned rivets project project from the rear of the complete plate. The projecting hook has four raised ribs on the outer face of the object and is flat at the rear. The object has a light green patina.

Dimensions: 34mm in length, 30mm in width, 3mm thick, 13.00g

Discussions: Three parallels for this strap fitting can be found on the PAS @: BH-38C529 KENT-9D7616 and SUR-405031. The hook on these parallels is more curved in profile than on this example. KENT-9D7616 notes The purpose and dating for these fittings is uncertain; however, it seems likely that they worked in conjunction with an opposing, eyed, fitting. Although bearing a certain resemblance to terminals typically employed on 12th and 13th century altar crosses (see, for example, O'Neill ed. 1996: 233 - 236), the hollow form and use of incised decoration suggests an affinity with 14th to 16th century strap-ends....