UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

Medieval cast copper alloy unidentified object. Formed of a central trapezoid body which has four horizontal mouldings across its width. Extending from the top (narrower edge of the trapezoid) are two curved arms, which extend around the sides of the central body. Both arms have a triangular knop half way along their length and have an expanded, rectangular terminal with double moulded collar. The central body and arms have a trapezoid cross section. The reverse of the object is flat, except for three integrally cast loops positioned parallel to eachother, one at towards the base of the central body and one on the reverse of each of the terminals. Two of these loops survive in tact, and the third is damaged and incomplete. One of the curved arms is now distorted and bent from its original position. The front surface of the object is largely covered in guilding. It is 42.52mm wide, 19.53mm high, 4.58mm thick and weighs 11.2 grams.

The function of this object is uncertain. The loop fittings on the reverse would not be able to act as pin mechanisms for a badge or brooch as there are no openings in the loops to secure a pin. A possible suggestion is that this is part of an elaborate horse harness decoration, similar to that in Ashley 'Medieval horse furniture in Norfolk' page 8 number 19, however the object does not have the same type of attachment mechanisms and there are no breaks on the piece other than the one missing loop. A third option is that the loops on the reverse may have been used to attach this item to another through sewing.