2024-03-28T10:18:56+00:00https://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/jsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/xmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/rsshttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/atomhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/kmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/geojsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/qrcodehttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results1120EarlyWarwickshire1CountyPOST MEDIEVAL1LateMetal detectorWMID074F9E.jpg10049From finder199271PM10.6DistrictCertain4WMID435161600Sherbournex4104731Warwick110942017-11-09T11:54:42ZReturned to finder1Circa
An incomplete lead suspension strap fitting of late medieval or early post-medieval date (late 15th to 16th centuries AD).
The artefact consists of a forward-facing sub-circular hook, with a lozenge-shaped cross-section, beneath an elongated rectangular suspension loop. The external edges of the hook have been decorated with a series of diagonal ridges. It has been bent slightly out of shape.
The suspension fitting measures 44.1 mm in length, 23.7 mm wide and 10.6 mm thick. It weighs 31.0g.
The strap fitting is a mid to dark grey with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.
Several similar fittings have been recorded on the PAS database. Their function is uncertain but it is thought that they may have been used for suspending a purse. These records include CAM-3BF03B, which cites the following references: "Complete examples of similar strap-fittings show this artefact is likely to have has a circular loop or recurving hook with a rectangular loop at the terminal which on most examples ends just below the beast's jaw. Goodall, A. (in Saunders, P., 2012. Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue Part 4. Salisbury : Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, 107-108 & 136, fig.29, nos.178-181) describes this type of strap-fitting as having been slid onto a belt strap and that the hook part was probably used to support a purse. Goodall, A. states that dating is uncertain but that an iron example excavated at Wharram Percy was found in a Post-Medieval context."
A complete example in silver dated to the 14th century is BH-ECDF96. See also HAMP-47CD64 which cites Read, B., 2008 Hooked-Clasps and Eyes Langport : Portcullis Publishing, 214-215 , 771-773.
The use of lead is unusual.
Helen Geake44.193-1.63525108WMID-0753D7811185belt hook1POST MEDIEVALSTRAP FITTINGSP2561finds-8111851123.710WMID-074F9EComplete1450x41047images/tgilmore/1588198PAS581074F9001EB942016-10-26T10:18:49ZCertainx1422113652.24661803POST MEDIEVALLeadMD1Circa29http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/MEDIEVALCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:13:38.469Z