MEDIEVAL DRESS FASTENER (DRESS)

1450

Two almost identical incomplete medieval copper alloy double sharp-hooked clasps of Read's (2008) early post-medieval Class S, both composed of two elements, a front sheet plate and a double-hooked strip secured by a rivet. Both ends of one strip are missing, along with one end of the other. Being shield-shaped, rather than lozengiform, square or rectangular, the plates are exceptional. However, their decoration, rocker-arm engraving, around the perimeter and in oblique lines in the centre, is quite normal. Plate heights 24 and 23.3mm, widths 22.5mm, thicknesses 1 and 0.7mm. Estimated length of less incomplete hooked strip 41mm. 1450 - 1539.