PURSE 199843

Description: Tiny late medieval/ early post medieval copper alloy purse bar of Ward Perkins type B5. It is 44.6mm in length and weighs 17.78g. The loop is rectangular in shape, measuring 7.6x11.2mm (internal 9.7x4.4mm). Below is a faceted neck with circa six faces of varying widths. The rove that extends from this through the central block is circular in section (4.8mm diameter). On the underside this appears to be held in place with a washer, of a different metal composition to the rest of the purse (purple compared to dark brown). The central block is roughly trinagular in shape and is decorated with four vertical grooves in two pairs of two, creating a wide rib with a thin rib either side. The arms have a double moulding projecting upwards at each end flanking a 3.8mm circular-sectioned section c.3mm long, on which the frame would have hung. At the other end this is secued by a 6-7mm flat circular roundel. Below the arms, from the rove to each moulding, a plate extends below on either side. Each is pierced twice for the attachment (by sewing) of the cloth purse. One of these plates is damaged and has broken across the piercings. The purse bar stands 32.2mm high. Late 15th/ early 16th century in date. Cf. Ward Perkins 1940, pp.167 & 169 ref.B5.

Date: 1450 - 1550

Object type: PURSE

Last import: August 15, 2017