EARLY MEDIEVAL STRAP END

800

Strap-end with two panels of decoration, a single plate folded lengthways of a high % silver in a Zn/Cu/Ag amalgam. The tip is missing as is a small corner from mid-way into one of the 2 rivet holes on the front plate. Between the rivet holes at the split-end are three pendant leaves within a fan-shaped field, the two outer ones turning back on themselves.In the centre of the strap-end is a sub-rectangular field with slightly curved long sides, which are bounded by a beaded border. The field is ornamented by engraving and was originally inlaid with niello, a small amount of which is visible under the microscope. It is divided by a plain cross-shaped section, in each quarter is a backward-looking animal. The hind-leg is combined with the tail, and crosses the body, emerging as a scrolled terminal. Each animal has a mouse-like head with a small dot indicating the eye.At the animal-head terminal is a fan-shaped field containing a formalised pattern very similar to that at the split end, forming the animal's brow. To either side of this are oval relief ears each with a curved groove towards the top. Below the ears are eyes made from curved grooves and a very rudimentary nose formed from two concentric curved grooves.This can be classified as a Thomas's Class A, Type 1 strap-end, as the animal decoration is broadly in the Trewhiddle style.