MEDIEVAL STRAP END

1270

Medieval copper alloy composite strap end, missing an additional plate which would have carried decoration and been soldered on one face. It consists of two plates.The strap end is of a circular form and measures 49x23mm and weighs 8.10g. There does not appear to be an additional spacer.The circular, central part is 23mm in diameter. To one side extends a flaring, parallelogram-shaped open end, measuring 13.5mm long. Where it joins the central part it is 11mm wide. The open end is 15mm wide and has two in situ rivets, one in each corner. From the opposite side of the circle extends an elongated triangle, 15mm in length and 4.5mm where it extends from the centre, narrowing to a point. On one plate this pointed part is damaged. It is the complete plate that carries a grey solder on the circular and triangular part. Nick Griffiths comments the additional plate often carries simple linear engraving.This shape of strap end (albeit with spacers) found in London date from late 13th to the 14th century.