MOUNT

An incomplete enamelled copper alloy shield shaped mount, of Medieval dating (AD 1200 to AD 1400).

The mount is incomplete, with no complete edges. It was originally shield shaped (straight top edge, with outward curving lower edges to an point). The edges along the curved sides are bevelled. The remains of a rivet or attachment hole is located in the top left hand corner. The front has been decorated with enamelled heraldic decoration consisting of three lions, head left, tail right, with front left paw raised and the rest below the body. Red enamel is present in the background behind the lions. In heraldic terms, this is described as: Gules three lions passant guardant [Or]. The reverse of the mount is undecorated.

It measures 47.6 mm in length, 39.3 mm wide and 2.7 mm thick. It weighs 15.8 g.

The mount is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

The heraldry depicted on this mount is that of the Arms of England. This device was used from post c. AD 1198, and usually shown quartered with those of France post AD 1340. However they may have been used as independent pendants in conjunction with others bearing the Fremch lilies after this time (Ashley, 2002, 8). A broad Medieval date from AD 1200 to AD 1400 is suggested for this mount.

A couple of similar shield shaped mounts have been recorded on the PAS database and include: WILT-756907; WILT-23BC50 and KENT-7B2811.

Reference:
Ashley, S. 2002. Medieval Armorial Horse Furniture in Norfolk. EAA 101. Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service.