EARLY MEDIEVAL STRAP END

850

Copper alloy strap end. Cast zoomorphic strap end with a solid pointed dragonesque terminal and a long, substantial and slightly expanded split end behind it through which passes a rivet of diameter 2mm and length 6mm (cf. Thomas Class B). The beast head terminal is pointed with small features, possibly ears, folded back behind a rounded head with large lentoid eyes. A pair of grooves to either side of the long muzzle are of uncertain significance, though drawing the eye towards the nose which retains a nostril to either side and a small hollow or dimple at its end. The reddish colour of the metal is typical of Anglo-Scandinavian work. Suggested date: Early Medieval, 850-1100.Length: 43.8mm, Width: 9.6mm, Thickness: 6.9mm, Weight: 9.08gms.