STRAP END 579038

Description: An incomplete Late Medieval (1400-1450) copper alloy composite strap end, missing part of its upper plate and its backplate. The strap end is of crescentic form and the surviving upper plate decorated with crudely incised symmetrical grooves that may depict a floral design. This plate is C-shaped, being widest at the centre and tapering to either end, one of which is missing (old break). Projecting outwards from the widest point is an openwork triangle of foliate form, with central trunk and branches to either side. The reverse of the plate is stepped down a little from the openwork projection and has three (of an original four) rivet holes, one of which still carries a (now corroded) iron rivet. This is a popular Medieval form of strap end of which there are many on the database (e.g. BH-8879E6, SUR-868360 and SUSS-AE6FA1). Fingerlin (1971, Abb. 314, Kat. Nr. 239) quoted in Geake (2001: 31) dates them to the first half of the 15th century and suggests the lobed terminals are supposed to resemble a tree with the incised lines on the crescent representing roots. Measures 56.48x32.22x2.99mm and weighs 8.07g. The internal width of the crescent-shape is c.17.5x14.8mm.

Date: 1400 - 1450

Object type: STRAP END

Last import: August 15, 2017