MEDIEVAL CLASP

1350

An incomplete copper alloy clasp of Medieval date (AD 1350-1450). The object is a folding strap clasp with composite rectangular frame, folding end with engraving and open work decoration. The reverse of the folded plate has two rivets at the lower end. The upper frame is composed of two rectangular wires, bent to form a U shape and riveted at the lower end and attached via the spindle bar at the upper end. One of the wires is broken and a small portion is missing.The decoration is composed of incised lines, crosshatching and chevrons. Within the centre is an openwork quatrefoil, below which are two openwork sub-rectangular aspects, within each of which is a carved relief human figure, possibly kneeling. within the right cell created by the open and relief work is a minor amount of retained probable enamel which apprears blue in colour.The metal is a mid-green in colour with a smooth, uncorroded patina.Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Database: Unique ID: NMS-C6B3D5, Unique ID: SWYOR-558AA7, Unique ID: WILT-9EB90A and Unique ID: SUR-8BFCD8.Whitehead, P 41, No 238.