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SLEEVE CLASP
Unique ID: SF-A645DA
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
An incomplete cast copper-alloy sleeve clasp of probable Early Anglo-Saxon attribution dating to the Early Medieval period, c. 500-600 AD. Only one half of the clasp survives, its partner now missing due to old damage.. It is formed of a bar with flattened square terminals and a rectangular flattened midsection topped with a smaller rectangular boss, each terminal itself being decorated with an incised saltire motif. The waisted areas between the terminals and midsection each demonstrate transverse raised mouldings that serve to give a 'ribbed' or corrugated effect. From the front of the midsection an open rectangular loop where the opposing half of the clasp would have attached is visible, while from its other side a similarly ribbed protrusion that extends into a flattened rectangular element is visible. Preserved in good condition with a dark greenish patina, it measures 41.12mm in length, 23.57mm wide between the rectangular loop/flattened element, c. 15.2mm wide at each terminal by 1.9mm thick, 3.16mm thick at the bossed midsection, and weighs 6.14g.
For a comparable sleeve clasp, see Hines (1997) p. 47, fig. 90.d, from Linton Heath, Cambs.
Class: Hines form B12
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 500
Date to: Circa AD 600
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 41.12 mm
Width: 23.57 mm
Thickness: 3.16 mm
Weight: 6.14 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 7th November 2018
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: Forest Heath (District)
To be known as: Freckenham
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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