HARNESS MOUNT

A complete cast copper alloy harness fitting / suspension mount, of Medieval dating (c.1250 to c. 1450 AD).

The harness fitting is sub-rectangular (T-Shaped) in plan and sub rectangular in cross section. The mount consists of a horizontal bar mount, with an integral cast vertical suspension fitting, located centrally. This suspension fitting is split in two parts so the loop of the harness pendant could be suspended between the two. It would have been fixed in place by a small rivet - probably iron in this case as there are traces of iron staining around the base of the suspension fitting. Two integrally cast attachment rivets are present on the reverse of the harness fitting.

The fitting measures 20.31mm in length, 21.00mm wide and 6.96mm thick. It weighs 7.3 grams.

It is a mid to dark green brown colour with an abraded but even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in the loss of the original surface in a couple of areas. There are a couple of areas, predominately on the reverse of the fitting and along the edges, where the fitting is a brighter green colour. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion occurring (bright green powdery residue). In order to reduce the risk of this happening, the fitting should be stored in a sealed dry acid-free environment, such as a sealed tupperware box with acid-free tissue and silica gel.

A similar example of this fitting has been published as #76 from the Billingsgate site in London (Griffiths,1995, 69) and is of Medieval dating (c.1270 -c. 1400 AD). Other similar examples have been recorded on the PAS database including HESH-9A5867 and NARC-1653E6.

Reference:
Clark, J. (ed) 1995 The Medieval Horse and its Equipment. Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 5. HMSO / Museum of London.
Griffiths, N. 1995. Harness Pendants and associated fittings. 61-71 in Clark (ed) 1995.