File:Early-medieval strap end, Strap end (FindID 608567).jpg

English: A copper alloy strap end dating to the early-medieval period. The strap end is now broken in two, having been bent in antiquity and probably snapped through movement in the soil through ploughing. The strap end does not fit easliy into Thomas's 2003 typology; it has a zoomorphic terminal and tapering plate of Class A, however there is a collar between the main 'body' and the split end terminal at the rear, which widens outwards from the collar. Thomas classes the collared strap ends as Class D, however this example is more elaborately decorated than those refered to by Thomas. Behind the zoomorphic terminal, which has simple incised lines denoting the flattened ears, is a panel of moulded decoration consisting of a pair of fluted lines extending into simple parallel linears. Behind this is the collar which comprises of a constriction in the body of the strap end denoted by two rounded knops extending from the main plate. The flared split-end has a panel of decoration which appears to conists of a linear pattern, possibly interlace, however the condition of this area makes it hard to identify. There is one of the two iron rivets retained at the split end, which would have secured the strap end to the strap.

Class A strap ends generally date to the c. 9th century AD while the Class D strap ends are thought to date from 9th to 10th century AD; a broad date of c. 850-1000 AD, the Late Anglo-Saxon period, is therefore suggested for this example.