STRAP FITTING

An incomplete post Medieval copper alloy sword-belt hanger dating to c.16th - 17th century. The object comprises three asymmetrical plates suspended from an upper plate or mount. The upper mount is formed of two joined sub-triangular plates which bends outwards in the centre at an acute angle. The two joined plates have tri-lobed terminals. Where the two plated are joined the upper section narrows then widens to from a central projecting triangular point. The plate is decorated with a foliate and floriate moulded-relief. There are three rivet-holes, one at either end pierced in the central projecting lobe, and one in the centre where the two plates are joined. The rivet-hole on the right end has iron residue from an iron rivet which partly survives in place. Attached to the lower end of the plate there are three projecting circular suspension loops. Suspended from each loop is an asymmetrical plate with a forward-facing close-butted globular-ended hook. These plates are decorated with a similar foliate 'vine scroll' moulded-relief. Each plate has two rivet-holes. Traces of iron residue remain in both rivet-holes of the central suspended plate, and in the lower rivet-hole of the right suspended plate. The right suspended plate in slightly bent inwards due to damage. The sword-belt hanger has a mid-green patina and measures 70.8mm in maximum length, 63.8mm in maximum width, 12.5mm in maximum thickness, and weighs 48.83g.

A similar complete strap fitting is illustrated in Read (2001:43), No. 373, reproduced in Read (2008, 220), No. 793, which he dates to the 16th century. A similar find can be seen on the PAS database NMS-C3D6AD which was found in Norfolk. Other composite parts of this type of sword belt hanger can also be found on the database including: SOM-140633, DEV-B925CD, LANCUM-D9CFD8, IOW-892CFF.