MOUNT

An irregular section of cast copper alloy mount, most probably the decorative tip of a strap plate from a box or piece of furniture dated to the later medieval period (1200-1500 AD). The plate is broadly sub-rectangular with a lis-shaped terminal ; in cross section the plate is D shaped. The long edges are bevelled and taper and expand along their length, The terminal is eroded but is broadly a lis shape. Through the centre of the lis is the remains of an iron rivet / pin. The lower section of the mount is distorted and the broken edge is curved slightly, possibly by design or by movement in the soil. The upper face has suffered from corrosion and lamination of patina, some of the original surface is lost. It is likely the upper surface was gilt and traces of this applied surface are present in several places. There is no sign of an incised cast or punched decorative surface. The reverse face is undecorated but the surface patina survives in better condition. The reverse face shows evidence of heavy diagonal filing which is often seen on metalwork (especially functional metalwork) of the late medieval period. The mount is a mid brown colour with areas of light green corrosion product on areas of damage.

The mount measures 43.2mm length, 11.8mm width and 3.3mm thick across the terminal; it is 5.4mm wide and 2.4mm thick across the broken edge. The mount weighs 3.54 grams.