STIRRUP

A complete but abraded cast copper alloy stirrup-strap mount of later early medieval date (1000 - 1100 AD). The stirrup strap mount is broadly sub-triangular being pentagonal in plan with a slight convex (domed) front and a concave rear face. The edges of the mount are slightly bevelled. In profile the mount is sub-rectangular (D Shaped) and in cross section the mount is arched (C shaped). At the apex of the mount is positioned an off centre pierced hole which shows no evidence of wear or corrosion. It has a diameter of 3.5mm. On the reverse of the lower edge is a prominent integral cast sub-rectangular slightly stepped flange which projects (4.8mm) at right angles from the surface of the mount. This flange forms a projecting lip. Positioned above this lip are two further pierced or cast rivet holes, which again show no signs of wear or corrosion. They also both have diameters of 3.5mm. The mount measures 44.7mm in length, 33mm width, and is 7.9mm thick across the flange and 2.3mm across the upper plate. It weighs 15.6 grams. The front face of the mount is decorated with a series of impressed / punched designs. These patterns seem geometric in design or are possibly some form of devolved design which cannot be interpreted. The surface of the mount is abraded and much worn and so the design is indistinct. The pattern present seems to be formed from two different styles of punch; square and triangular. The triangular punches have been applied to form an encircling border which respects the edge of the mount. The square punches have been used to divide the space enclosed by the triangular punches. The division is uneven and formed by two diagonal lines which form an irregular diagonal cross (or saltire). The upper panel contains the apex rivet hole, whilst the two central panels may contain further designs applied using a square punch, details of these patterns have been lost through abrasion. The lower panel may also be decorated but nothing survives on the corroded surface. The reverse of the mount is undecorated. The stirrup strap mount is a mid - light green colour with an even but worn and abraded patina on all surfaces. Where abrasion has occurred a mid brown coloured surface is present. There are also small areas on both the front and rear surfaces of active light green powdery copper corrosion. This is most extensive on the concave rear and on the upper front face of the mount. The corrosion is most active in areas where abrasion has occurred. The abrasion is most likely to have been caused by movement in the plough soil. This has also resulted in a slight asymmetrical appearance in plan. Similar stirrup strap mounts have been recorded by David Williams' 1997: Late Saxon Stirrup Mounts, which proposes a classification. This example clearly fits into Williams' Group A Type 1. pp 26-34. The closest published parallel to this example is from Bromeswell, Suffolk (cat no 51).