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Description: | Cast copper alloy mount dating from the later medieval period (1350-1500). The mount is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and cross section. In profile the mount is slightly bowed with the outer face being inscribed with a series of letters in black-letter script. The mount measures 56.2mm length, is 30.1mm wide, 6.5mm thick and weighs 17.43 grams.In plan the mount tapers and then expands along its length from a relatively narrow broken edge to a wide scalloped terminal. In thickness the mount tapers from the broken edge where it is relatively wide (6.5mm) to a very narrow edge at the terminal (2.8mm). The broken narrow / thick edge is unusual as a recess, possibly the remains of a socket, is present. It is difficult to identify this edge properly due to the nature of the break. The break seems to have occurred relatively recently as the edges are fresh and corroded, although it is possible that this is an old break which has been freshly broken by movement in the ploughsoil. If the recess can be interpreted as a socket then the light grey active powdery corrosion present on the areas surrounding the socket - but most evident on the upper face - might be some form of lead alloy solder. The opposite edge to the socket has also been abraded in the ploughsoil and a large segment of the upper edge is missing. The upper face of the mount has been decorated with a series of well cut letter in black-letter script. These letters are well formed and enclosed within a panel which respects the outer edge of the mount. The letters form part of an inscription which is incomplete due to the fracture. The letters identifiable are [W or d] all[i?]. This is an unusual end to an inscription and may represent a personal or place name. The letters have been well cut and are neat and even. The spaces between the letters have been decorated with a form of rocker-arm incised lines. These lines are arranged both vertically and horizontally and create a textured surface / background which highlight the un-textured letters. The reverse of the mount is plain and undecorated. There is no evidence of a fitting or rivet holes present.The mount is a mid green colour with a slightly abraded polished patina. The reverse has several areas where a light green laminating corrosion product is present and the edges of the mount have a powdery friable corrosion product. The design and inscription on this mount is relatively unusual. The overall shape and style of lettering is easily dated: black-letter script is traditionally dated as post 1355 AD. The form of the mount is unusual, the tapering thickness suggests that it is not associated with either knife handle plates which are often inscribed but have iron rivets though them, or tomb lettering, which tend to be very thin and inlaid into stone monuments. It is possible that this example may be from either a processional cross or other ornamental religious item (possible rude screen decoration?) but they style of the socket joint is unusual. As such this example at present is not paralleled and is best described as a functional (possibly ecclesiastical) mount. Thanks are extended to Geoff Egan, PAS Medieval and Post Medieval Finds advisor for his help in identifying this example of metalwork.
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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