MOUNT

Medieval copper alloy belt mount probably dating to the 2nd half of the 14th century

The belt mount is complete and is of bar-mount form and has two smaller terminal lobes, flanking a central lobe (with a length of 18.1mm and a weight of 1.0g). The two smaller terminal lobes (4.8mm & 5.0mm wide and 1.8mm deep) are perforated to take separate attachment rivets for securing the mount, one of which remains in place (1.4mm diameter and 3.6mm long). The central domed lobe (with a width of 9.1mm and a depth of 3.2mm) has a circular perforated (3.2mm diameter) but it is unclear whether the perforation was intended to accommodate an attachment rivet or is decorative. Around the perforation are six closely-spaced incised grooves, forming fine ribs, which have been regularly enhanced with notches, forming cross hatching. The rear of the central lobe is dished and is as-cast. The surface has a dark green patina.

The mount can be paralleled in form but not decoration with two examples excavated in London (Egan & Pritchard, 1991, p 213, Nos. 1160-1) , recovered from contexts dated to between 1350 and 1400.

Egan G. & Pritchard F. 1991; Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 3; Dress Accessories; Museum Of London