File:Early Medieval, Strap End (FindID 442752).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper alloy strap end of probable Late Anglo-Saxon dating (750 - 1100 AD).

The strap end is sub oval (rectangle with flattened ends and bowed sides) in plan. The majority of the strap end is cast as a solid piece, with the exception of the widest part of the terminal which divides, in profile, forming a 'V' shape. The leather strap would have been attached to the strap end by rivets. The back part of the V shaped union is present, the front plate is missing. Both of the attachment holes on the back plate are partial. Both the front and rear of the strap end have suffered from a high degree of abrasion (caused by movement in the plough soil), this has lead to a loss of surface detail. The front was probably originally decorated with a zoomorphic style design, however all traces of the design has been lost due to abrasion. It is hard to determine if the back of the strap end was decorated or not.

The strap end is a dark green colour, with remnants of an even surface patina. A high degree of abrasion has affecting the surface, resulting in a loss of detail in the design.

The strap end measures 35.91mm in length, 10.36mm wide and 1.90mm thick. It weighs 2.5 grams.

Late Anglo Saxon and Viking Age strap ends have been classified into several types by Thomas (2003). From the classification suggested by Thomas (2003, page 2), it is likely that this example will fit into Thomas' Class A. But due to the degree of abrasion suffered, it is hard to determine which sub type it should be classified as.

Reference:
Thomas, G. 2003 Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age strap-ends 750-1100: Part 1. Finds Research Group Datasheet 32. Finds Research Group AD700-1700.