Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
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Unique ID: IOW-A0CA15
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete Medieval copper-alloy harness suspension mount (1200-1400).
The mount consists of two sub-rectangular loops with an extension at one end. Viewed from the side, each loop measures about 23.0mm x 13.5mm and has a thickness of about 3.0mm. Both loops are sub-rectangular in cross-section. The loops are joined by a central part which forms an oval-shape when viewed from above. This part is pierced at the centre with a circular perforation. The perforation formerly accommodated a rotating stem that held a banner or pendant at its outer end. The extension has a length of about 21.5mm, a maximum width of 16.4mm and a maximum thickness of 2.2mm. It is vaguely shield-shaped, as viewed from above, but terminates in a large pointed knop. Close to its juncture with the loop, it has a small cusp and a small pointed knop at each side. The extension has a circular rivet hole with a diameter of 2.8mm. The piece is largely green overall wit flecks of gilding on the upper surface.
Length: 81.0mm; width: 16.4mm; thickness: 13.5mm. Weight: 14.67g.
Two similar mounts are illustrated in Read's 'Metal Artefacts of Antiquity' (2001, pp. 47, 51, nos. 398-9). Griffiths (1986, 'Finds Research Group Datasheet 5', p. 2, refs. 22-24) also recognises these objects as being associated with harness mounts. See also: Ward Perkins 1940, 'London Museum Medieval Catalogue' 120, fig. 40, ref. no. 2. Similar artefacts have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds from Crewkerne Parish, Somerset (SOMDOR-039B12); Landford Parish, Wiltshire (WILT-7E7344); Fransham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-FBEF46); Thornham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-F35E23) and Ashmanhaugh Parish, Norfolk (NMS-2F0861). A rotating arm that supported banners or pendants has survived on a more complete example from Heacham Parish, Norfolk (NMS-7C7611).
Read, B., (2001) Metal artefacts of antiquity: A catalogue of small finds from specific areas of the United Kingdom Langport, Portcullis Publishing.
Griffiths, N. 1986 Horse Harness Pendants Finds Research Group Datasheet No. 5.
Ward-Perkins, J.B. 1940. London Museum Medieval Catalogue. London: HMSO.
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Length: 81 mm
Width: 16.4 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Weight: 14.67 g
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 2nd February 2018 - Friday 2nd February 2018
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference: IOW2018-1-54
Primary material: Copper alloy
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Griffiths, N. | 1986 | Horse Harness Pendants | Finds Research Group 700-1700 Datasheet 5 | 2 | 22-24 | ||
Read, B. | 2001 | Metal artefacts of antiquity: A catalogue of small finds from specific areas of the United Kingdom | Langport | Portcullis Publishing | 47 and 51 | 398-9 | |
Ward Perkins, J.B. | 1940 | The London Museum Medieval Catalogue | London | HMSO | 120, fig. 40, ref. no. 2 |