English: Post Medieval silver double loop buckle frame with attached pin and chape (strap plate). The frame has two oval loops; the loops are a quarter of a circle in section, flat on the back and inner side and have a convex curve on the top and outer side; they narrow slightly towards the strap bar. The strap bar is narrowed with pointed oval knops at either end; each knop has a central oval recess on the front. The pin is D shaped in section with a flat back; it is bent 270 degrees around the bar and has parallel sides for most of the length, narrowing to a slightly rounded point at the tip, the back of which is slightly cut away so it sits better on the frame. The chape is formed of a long silver strip with semi-circular end, bent in half over the strap bar so the two ends meet and are flattened together. It tapers slightly in width from the central bend to the ends. At the end is a slightly off centre stud. The stud has a circular shank and a wide circular head with an only slightly convex upper side. It appears to have been fixed through only one end of the strip but because the two ends are squeezed together the circular end of the rivet has created a raised area on the other strip. Dimensions: The buckle frame is 31.3mm long by 21.7mm wide and 2.5mm thick; the pin 16.9mm long, 3.1mm wide and 1.8mm thick; the chape is 28.0mm long, 12.0mm wide and 1.4mm thick; 6.5mm thick including the stud. It weighs 10.84 grams. Discussion: It is similar to the incomplete frame treasure case 2009 T620 dated to 1550-1650 AD. Many other similar examples are known in copper alloy, for example Margeson (1993:28-30) no.167-9, one of which is from a secure 17^th century context. In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Laura Burnett