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STRAP FITTING
Unique ID: IOW-859981
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A post-Medieval to modern copper-alloy strap fitting in the form of an 'S'-shaped belt hook (c.1775-c. 1920).
The hook is in the form of a snake and would have hooked onto fitments at the end of the belt on a military uniform.
The snake's body is pointed-oval in cross-section and is similarly moulded on both sides to emulate scales. The head is mainly obscured by iron corrosion, so the features are not discernable.
This fitting is drab green with some iron staining on the head and body.
Length: 39.0m; width: 19.9mm; thickness: 5.3mm. Weight: 9.68g.
This style of belt hook was first used in the 16th century, but was then revived in the late 18th century, during Hanoverian times, when it was worn by military personnel. Similar 'S'-shaped style hook fittings have had a civil use since then and also up to the present day.
Early 20th century photographs show Isle of Wight Coastguards wearing these fittings on their uniforms.
Bailey (1997) illustrates a similar example from a military belt on page 21, No. 4, which is dated from the 18th century.
Read (2008) illustrates a similar example from a military or police belt on page 230, No. 824, which is dated from the 19th century.
Bailey, G. 1997: Detector Finds 3. Greenlight Publishing. Chelmsford.
Read, B. (2008). Hooked-Clasps and Eyes. Langport: Portcullis Publishing.
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MODERN
Date from: Circa AD 1775
Date to: Circa AD 1920
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 39 mm
Width: 19.9 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 9.68 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 17th February 2019 - Sunday 17th February 2019
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2019-1-27
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey, G. | 1997 | Detector Finds 3 | Chelmsford | Greenlight Publishing | 21, ref: 4 | ||
| Read, B. | 2008 | Hooked-Clasps and Eyes | Langport | Portcullis Publishing | 230, ref: 824 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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