MEDIEVAL STRAP END

1400

A late medieval decorated copper alloy trapezoidal strap end comprising a decorated front plate, a plain back plate and six rivets; the latter are flush with the surfaces of both plates. The back plate has a pair of integral tapered flanges which form the sides to the strap end and give it a wedge-shaped profile.The front plate has a detailed, though now worn, cast image with additional engraving which cuts across the rivet heads. The image shows the standing figure of St Christopher with staff and with the Christ Child on his shoulders. The arms of the child are raised and he appears to be holding something in one hand. On either side of the standing figure is a small bush and he stands on wavy lines which indicate the river which he is crossing. The field is infilled with a closely-spaced mass of criss-crossing lines. To either side is a vertical letter in gothic script; both appear to be the letter i. The upper edge of the strap end is bordered with three straight cast ridges.