MEDIEVAL DRESS FASTENER (DRESS)

1450

Medieval copper alloy shield-shaped plate with rocker-arm decoration on one face and a central hole filled with decayed iron, probably part of a late medieval double-hooked dress fastener of Read's (2008) early post-medieval Class S. Being shield-shaped, rather than lozengiform, square or rectangular, the object is exceptional. However, its decoration, rocker-arm engraving, around the perimeter and in oblique lines in the centre, is quite normal. The rivet that attaches the plate to the double hook is normally copper alloy, but in this case where the plate is larger and heavier than normal iron was chosen.For two other shield-shaped plates see NMS-1101B7, from West Acre, Norfolk (HER 56903). Height 37.5mm. Width 26.5mm. Thickness 0.8mm. Weight 6.15g. c.1450 - c.1539.