MOUNT

A copper-alloy harness pendant suspension mount of Medieval date.

The mount takes the form of a truncated cross, the lower vertical arm, which represents the hanger, being significantly shorter than the other three arms. At the centre of the hanger is a moulded square with flat surface. The three long arms flare outwards from this block, two projecting horizontally, the other straight up. The form of each arm is identical, being of 'D-shaped' section, a transverse ridge marking the start of a moulded terminal with 'drop-shaped' projection at the end. A single rivet hole is situated within each terminal, the uppermost retaining its copper-alloy rivet and having a sub-circular 'stop' on the reverse. The hanger has been formed by bending backwards an integrally-cast tab with central vertical slit, forming a loop into which a copper-alloy axis bar has been fitted.

The surfaces of the mount are heavily corroded but retain traces of gilding. It measures 57.6mm wide, 42.3mm high and 4.4mm thick (not including the rivet). The weight is13.31g.

A similar suspension mount was found at Ingoldisthorpe, Norfolk, in association with a shield-shaped pendant (see Ashley 2002: fig. 13, no. 105). The majority of dated shield-shaped pendants were produced in the late 13th to 14th century.