PURSE

An incomplete fragment of a copper alloy purse frame of Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval date (c. AD 1450 - AD 1550). The fragment consists of an irregular curved length of cast copper alloy with a C shaped cross section. This section is part of the external frame or hoop of the purse and would have originally have fitted to a pierced pendant bar. The internal edge of the hoop is pierced to allow the cloth purse to be attached to the frame. Both ends of the frame are broken and the edges are abraded and corroded. The external face of the frame is decorated with a cross hachured design forming a series of interlocking triple stranded saltire crosses picked out in inlaid niello. The internal surface of the frame is a mid to light green colour with an uneven abraded and corroded patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

The fragment measures: 89.8mm length, is 7.1mm width and 5.4mm thick; it weighs 18.49 grams

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This description is taken from a similar but more complete purse frame and bar (PAS record WMID-D7C867) discovered in Ilam, Staffordshire:

Late Medieval purse frames came in several sections. The main part consisted of a purse bar and hanger which hung off the belt. The purse bar supported the main part of the purse. Attached to the purse bar, were one or two supporting (pendent) arms or frame, which would have the bag of the purse sewn onto it, to maintain the shape and increase the durability of the purse. It would have the additional advantage that it would make the purse slightly less susceptible to Cut-Purses (thieves) than a leather purse attached to a belt. Ward Perkins (1940, p162) has classified purse frames into two main types. Type A consist of a bar, longer than the length of the purse, and two pendent arms. The metal frames demonstrate stitching holes. Type B are smaller than Type A, and the pendent arms are of a circular section and hang directly from the bar. David Williams (Surrey FLO) has expanded the classification types up to Type J. This example is consistent with that of a his Type C1.

Reference:

Ward-Perkins, J.B. 1940. Medieval Catalogue. London Museum. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.