Strap End? Not sure.

[Ted]

Got out this morning before rain came.
Finding lots of lead and copper alloy bits and pieces concentrated in one area which I will be going back to for more detailed search as soon as weather allows.

I think what I have may be a strap end but not sure at all and would be greatful for any input as to what it is and date. It has a nice pattern on it (which I darkened in second image to try and show it better).

Copper alloy. Smooth on other side with no pattern

[Garry J]

Its similar to what a strapend would look like as you can see the 2 rivet holes at the bottom.Now if it was medieval it would have been made and split down the middle to hold the leather,then held in place with the rivets.

[Ted]

Thanks Garry.

The size had me concerned. I have not found one prior to this so am not sure, but I thought it may be too large but with no experience who am I to say whats what.

There are signs that might be decoration (such as you find in ornate buckles etc) or as you said rivots to sandwich leather. Would it have had rivets at the other end also? The pattern 'points off' I suppose you could say at the front (left). So I don't think anything from the 'front' has erroded away or snapped and there are no signs of rivets or breakages that would suggest it was once folded or rivets had been there to sandwich leather strap?

I actually got out this evening to same spot and another piece has turned up, a lot smaller, two pieces joined by rivets. I will get pic up of it tomorrow hopefully. I would say a strap-end but again I have no experience. It has no pattern. A lot smaller in size. Good patina.

Stumbled on area this morning and it is interesting to say the least. Been over this many times with Explorer XS and missed them all......8 targets within 1 and a half hours.

[Penncole]

Nice find Ted

[Ted]

Taken pic of back of image above:

strap_end_reverse.jpg

Also this one I think is defo a strap end. Any input appreciated. Unfortunately came apart whilst recovering.

strap_end2.jpg

[Garry J]

Yep, thats a strapend too.

[Ted]

Great news thanks for confirmation on both Garry. Never found any of these in 15 or so years and then two turn up within hours! I am gonna date as medieval as I have found 2 x spindle whorls right next to them. The whorls have patterns on them and research dates them medieval. Cant wait to get back up to that field....just got a feeling more is to come

Damn work..... I sit here dreaming of being out there.