MOUNT

A cast copper alloy belt or strap mount, probably a dress accessory, dating from the Medieval to Post-Medieval period. The object is in the form of a scallop shell joined at their bases to a fleur-de-lis. The front is slightly convex and moulded. The shell is semicircular with indented lines emphasing the rayed effect on the front. The rear of the object has two separate circular-sectioned lugs or rivets. One is positioned centrally c 6mm from the terminus of the fleur de lis and is broken c1.5mm along its length. The other is slightly left of centre when viewed with the scallop at the top, c2mm from the top of the scallop, and broken at c2.5mm along its length. The object has a mid-brown patina with areas of green and is in good condition.

The scallop shell was widely associated with pilgrimage and also the cult of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury during te medieval period. A scallop-shaped mount is illustrated in Egan and Pritchard (2002, Dress Accessories, Boydell Press) no. 1083, which is dated to the latter half of the 15th century, but has a single, integrated rivet. However this example has two separate rivets, a structure more associated with the post-medieval period. Therefore, while a late medieval date cannot be discounted a post-medieval date seems more likely, despite a shortage of comparator shell mounts in the literature.

Dimensions: 17.3mm in length, 14.0mm in width, 5.5mm thick (including the lugs - 3.1mm without); weight 1.97g.