MOUNT

An almost complete Modern copper alloy mount in the form of a cross crosslet with a single integral bent spike dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. 

The mount is formed from a flat copper alloy sheet in the shape of an openwork cross crosslet with four square apertures in the angles of the central arms.  The edges of the apertures bend inwards towards the reverse. The upper surface is decorated with a recessed linear groove that traces the external edge of the plate. The mount is quite crudely formed with uneven edges. On the reverse the decorative grooves are in high relief.  At the centre of the reverse is a single integral pointed rivet or spike, which bends sharply at 90 degrees running parallel to the reverse of the plate, the point emerging just beyond the lower edge.  

Measurements: Length of plate: 21.28mm; width of plate: 19.77mm; thickness: 0.73mm. Length of rivet: 15.07mm; weight: 0.88g .

Discussion: This cross-crosslet form has been used for centuries and Mitchiner (1998, 93) quotes a link with the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. However, in a thin and pressed form they were also used in the 19th century often to decorate items such as mirrors. No example has ever been found in a medieval context. A reference for a more modern date can be found in the Army and Navy Stores Catalogue from 1907 where they are listed on page 197 described as "fancy nails". 

Other examples recorded through the PAS scheme include: SF-91FEE7; SF-DDFAD5; DEV-8FDB43 and  WILT-1A3022.