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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy and gilded suspension harness mount of Medieval, fourteenth century date (AD 1300 - AD 1400). Length: 74.2mm; width: 11.9mm and 12.3mm thick. Weight: 11.14g.The mount consists of two sub-rectangular loops with an extension at one end.Viewed from the side, each loop measures about 19.0mm x 14.0mm and has a thickness of about 3.0mm. Both loops are sub-rectangular in cross-section. The loops are joined by a central arch which forms an elongated oval-shape when viewed from above. This part is pierced at the centre with a circular perforation. The perforation formerly accommodated a rotating stem that held a banner or pendant at its outer end. (The two loops and the central arch vaguely resemble a pair of spectacle frames). The extension has a length of about 21.0mm, a maximum width of 11.3mm and a maximum thickness of 1.7mm. It is vaguely shield-shaped, as viewed from above, but terminates in a large pointed knop. Close to its juncture with the loop, it has a small cusp and a small pointed knop at each side. The extension has an off-centre circular rivet hole with a diameter of 2.8mm. This hole is filled with the remains of a copper alloy rivet. The piece is largely corroded and in poor condition. The surface colour of the metal is a dull purplish brown. Very small areas of a decayed buff coloured patina have survived and this is particularly noticeable on the inside of each loop. There are tiny flecks of gilding on the patinated surfaces which are revealed under magnification.Two similar mounts are illustrated in Read's 'Metal Artefacts of Antiquity' (2001, pp. 47, 51, nos. 398-9). Griffiths (1986, 'Finds Research Group Datasheet 5', p. 2, refs. 22-24) also recognises these objects as being associated with harness mounts. See also: Ward Perkins 1941, 'London Museum Medieval Catalogue' 120, fig. 40, ref. no. 2.Similar artefacts have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds from Crewkerne Parish, Somerset (SOMDOR-039B12); Landford Parish, Wiltshire (WILT-7E7344); Fransham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-FBEF46); Thornham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-F35E23) and Ashmanhaugh Parish, Norfolk (NMS-2F0861).A rotating arm that supported banners or pendants has survived on a more complete example from Heacham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-7C7611).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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