Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; mid-late 15th century
Purse, purse frame
Purse frame (London Museum Type A6). This is an elaborate style of purse frame, made of iron with traces of tinning. The bar and both loops survive. The smaller loop would have formed the lid of the purse. The main body of the purse would have hung from the larger loop. The metal frame is usually the only surviving part of a medieval purse. The leather or textile purse itself has usually disappeared, but monumental brasses and manuscript illustrations show how the parts fitted together and were attached to the owner's belt.
