File:Early Medieval strap end (FindID 1000347).jpg

English: A complete copper alloy strap end dating from the Early Medieval period, about AD 750-950.

The strap-end is flat in profile and sub-rectangular in plan its long edges being slightly convex widening slightly after its upper end before narrowing again towards its squared off terminal. The strap end is slit down the side for approximately one fifth of its length creating a slit between the front and back. This would have held the end of the strap. Two rivets holes are visible near the terminal of the split end (each c.1.7mm diameter) with the upper plate being slightly chipped around these. A third rivet hole is placed in the centre of the strap end approximately two thirds down its length (c.1.7mmdiameter).

The upper surface of the plate has incised decoration. This defines a rectangular region taking up most of the strap end's length within which is a Trewhiddle style design of interlaced and disarticulated animal limbs. Below this scene the mount has incised decoration creating a zoomorphic style terminal This includes ears depicted by short horizontal comma-shapes, eyes, depicted by short vertical comma-shapes and a snout.

The mount is mostly a medium green colour although traces of white metal coating are visible on its reverse.

The object measures 30.2mm length 10.6mm wide, 2.6mm in thickness and weighs 2.19 grams.

The strap end falls within Thomas (2003) Class A, Type 1, Thomas suggests a 9th century date for this class, perhaps starting in the late 8th and continuing into the 10th in the North (Thomas 2003: 2).