File:Two views of a probable medieval spur terminal. (FindID 109684).jpg

English: Fragment of a probable spur terminal, medieval to post medieval in date or early 14th to 18th century. The object is made of cast copper alloy.

 


  The object is ‘D’-shaped in section with a  figure-8 (or double ringed) terminal (see Ellis, B. M. A. 1995 Spurs and Spur Fittings, page 127 in Clark, J (ed.) Medieval Finds From excavations in London: 5, The Medieval Horse and its Equipment c.1150 – c.1450. HMSO: London).  According to Ellis figure-8 terminals carried attachments which were used to hold spur leathers.  These attachments held the leather in place either by rivets see Ellis, fig. 91 no.323 or by a hook on the attachment which pierced the end of the leather and was then pressed to hold it securely see fig. 101, no. 342.  They were often associated with rowel-spurs.  On the recorded object however the attachments are missing.
 


  The rivet holes of the terminal are sub-circular, the lower rivet hole is approximately 4.2mm in diameter and the upper is 3.8mm.  Little of the spur side remain (not recent break) it is therefore not possible to say if the arm was bent or straight.  On the front of the object at the point where the side and the terminal meet, there is evidence of a single vertical groove.  On the reverse of the object there is no decoration.  The object has a patchy green patina on the front and reverse faces of the spur side and between the rivet holes on the terminal.  The rest of the object is abraded, particularly around the rivet holes and near the break of the arm, with evidence of red copper corrosion.  Evidence of a groove between the two rivet holes is also noticeable on the front of the terminal, rather than decoration however, this groove was probably caused by wear. 
 


  The measurements of the object is 28.8mm at its longest point, 12.8mm at its widest point and 3.6mm its thickest point.  The weight of the object is 4.36g.
 

Both Ellis and Ward Perkins (Ward Perkins J. B. 1967. London Museum. Medieval Catalogue. HMSO: London; p.105) place the first appearance of figure-8 terminals to the early to mid-14th century, (see for example Ellis, figs. 97 and 99, nos. 333, 335 and 338). However without the rowel, spur terminals are difficult to date precisely.