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Description: | Cast copper alloy decorative mount of later medieval date (1350 ?? 1500). There is some date over the function of this mount and this is discussed at the end of this record.
The mount is broadly circular in plan, although it has been heavily damaged by movement and abrasion in the soil. This has resulted in a radial tear and crushing to the centre of the fitting. Originally the fitting would have been circular in plan with a raised central circular boss. In profile the fitting is broadly domed (convex) with the centre being a distinct sub-cylindrical boss with relatively straight sides and domed profile. The mount has been pierced in four places: three times around the edge of the mount and once through the central boss. The piercings around the edge are regularly spaced (broadly in a triangular arrangement) and are countersunk so that the head of the rivet would sit flush with the surface of the mount. There is no evidence of the attached rivets, and at least one of the holes has been torn through. The rivet holes around the edge have a diameter of 1.9mm. The central rivet hole is less clear, and its presence may be more to do with the tear than with a functional hole. It is positioned off centre and is irregular in shape, and it is possible that it may have held a more decorative feature to the front of the boss.
The mount measures 47.7mm diameter, and has a maximum thickness of 6.2mm. The central boss has a diameter of 14.6mm and projects 1.8mm above the surround mount. The metal used to form the mount is 1.2mm thick. It weighs 9.84 grams.
The central boss is not decorated, however the sides of the mount are. This decoration is contained within two incised circles, one positioned at the edge of the boss and the other near the edge of the mount. These circles were probably created by a compass as they are very regular. The area defined by these two borders is filled with a series of letters which are incised using straight lines in the black-letter gothic style. These letters form an indistinct inscription which reads AVE MARIA. The inscription is incised anti-clockwise and starts with a stylised vertical fish. The style of the lettering is such that the letters are plain and the area around them is in-filled with a closely-spaced zigzag (or rocked tracer) work. This decoration is very neat and well applied and the letters are well spaced and regular in shape and form. This suggests a high level of skill and attention to detail, which in turn hints at the piece being of high craftsmanship and therefore expense. The reverse of the mount is concave and plain.
The mount is a mid green colour with a worn but polished patina which covers all surfaces. The areas of wear and also damage exhibit significant areas of corrosion, specifically a light green powdery active corrosion. At present this does not mask the decoration but care and guidance should be sought over appropriate long term storage.
The function of this piece is debatable; however the date range is dictated by the style of decoration to the period post the Black Prince when this style of lettering was relatively common, broadly late 14th and 15th century (1350-1500). There are a number of things that this mount may have decorated; these include a piece of furniture or box, a book, or possibly acted as a bridle mount. Medieval bridle mount or boss idea is due to the positioning of the rivet holes and the decorative nature of the piece. However, the central boss is very slight on this example and a direct parallel has not been discovered. Similar bosses have been recorded in Clark, Medieval Horse and its equipment and also by David Williams (PAS database reference: SUR-A033A8). The book and furniture mount argument are similar in that decorative mounts adorn books of this period (see Margeson: Norwich Households) although a circular mount to parallel this has not bee discovered. It is however possible that the slight nature of this example would be more appropriate as a non-functional decoration. The presence of slight small rivets would also fit with this. Personally, I suggest that this is more likely to be a decorative fitting from a book or box.
Thanks are extended to David Williams for his advice and informative suggestions. | Subjects: | Book fitting Harness Boss | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Reavill, Peter - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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