File:Early Medieval strap-end (FindID 434977).jpg

The strap-end is convex-sided, the width decreasing towards a basal terminal. The attachment end has two plates of equal form, with a central gap, into which the now-missing strap would have fitted. Immediately below the scalloped top side is a pair of circular rivet holes. The decorative panel on the upper surface of the attachment end has been crudely incised and consists of a triangle with truncated bottom corners and a single groove border on all but the top side. The main pattern, occupying much of the upper surface, comprises an incised geometric design in which a billeted saltire divides four triangular panels of decoration. The two narrower triangles, located at the top and bottom, respectively, point towards the centre and are infilled with a number of parallel vertical grooves. The wider, shorter panels, located at the sides, bear a more complex pattern of short grooves, their designs no doubt derived from contemporary zoomorphic designs. At the base, the zoomorphic head is also heavily stylised, with two downward-pointing crescentic grooves for the ears, a series of chevron-shaped grooves for the brow and a very faint arc representing the one discernable eye. In addition to the aforementioned elements of the design, a single groove extends down each long side of the strap-end, running parallel to the edge. On the reverse of the strap-end is a series of crudely incised grooves, the function of which is unclear. The overall condition of the piece is reasonable but there is a right-angled bend a short distance up from the base. The object measures 37mm long, 10.2mm wide, 2mm thick and weighs 3.1g.

This is an example of a Class A, Type 1 strap-end (cf. Thomas 2000, 502; no. 491/fig. 3.12C, from Bledlow, Bucks). Class A strap-ends were probably first manufactured in the late 8th century, in some areas continuing until the late 10th/early 11th centuries.