Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; 14th-15th century
Purse frame bar
Purse frame (London Museum Type A2), incomplete, bar only. It is inscribed with the Latin words 'O MATER / DEI MEM // ENTO ME / I AMEN' (meaning ' Mother of God remember me'). It has a central shield shaped boss inscribed 'ihs' / 'M' with niello inlay. 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.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- A27396
- Object name:
- Purse frame bar
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; 14th-15th century
- Material:
copper alloy, brass
- Measurements/duration:
- L 170 mm, W 20 mm
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 80%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.