STRAP FITTING 807081

Description: A post-medieval (1500-1700) copper alloy sword belt fitting, incomplete in so far as it is missing a rivet. The object comprises a sub-rectangular plate, flat with with one convex-shaped short end and concave long edges. The remaining short edge has two shallow crenellations and extended triangular corners. The rivet hole is at the centre of this end and measures 1.9mm in diameter. From the rounded end extends a flat circular knop. Decoration in the form of a central foliate stem extends from the rivet hole with three splayed, vine-like leaves to either side. At the rounded end the stem terminates with a third leaf or possible flower, and then extends furtehr into the knop with another splayed leaf or flower. The plate has lost much of its original patina ad is a very dark brown/ black in colour. It measures 31.3mm in length, 15.7mm in max.width, 1.3mm in thickness and weighs 2.94g. It is likely this strap fitting would have been an en suite item, perhaps a toggle clasp, for similarly decorated sword-belt fittings. cf.Read 2001: 30, 41; number 350.

Date: 1500 - 1700

Object type: STRAP FITTING

Last import: August 15, 2017