Book Clasps & Fittings

A useful reference for those who are interested in this subject of book closures and clasps. The books shown here are not necessarily historically accurate; they are only examples used to demonstrate various clasp styles and methods of attachment to books.

Although numerous books, both theoretical and practical, have been published on the subject of bookbinding and the conservation of archival materials, there would seem to be a need for one that approaches the subject by examining the meaning and usage of the many terms, expressions, and names pertaining to the various subjects.

Although this dictionary is intended first and foremost for those actively involved in one or more aspects of the overall field of bookbinding and book conservation, it is perhaps no less intended for those working in related fields where the many terms and expressions relating to the overall field may be less familiar and even more confusing.

Cotswold Museum Service cares for around one and a half million archaeolog ical and social history objects in the Council&#3 9;s collection s. Many of the objects are displayed at the recently refurbishe d and extended Corinium Museum, Cirenceste r.

See The Collection s to search for items.

A description fo the functions of clasps and fittings in medieval bookbinding, with photos of examples from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The database is now a living resource, constantly updated by our staff with several hundred new objects each day. The objects recorded by the Scheme, are known as "porta ble antiquitie s" and are found by members of the public. These objects range from the Palaeolith ic to around the 18th Century, and include items recorded in the Annual Treasure Report published by the UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The Portable Antiquitie s Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeolog ical objects found by members of the public in England and Wales.