MOUNT 926276

Description: A fragmentary gold artefact of unknown function. The artefact is a rectangular strip of gold sheet with a framing ridge along each long side and the surviving short end. The opposite end and part of one side are broken and the ridge is torn from the central strip on the opposite edge. At the surviving short edge there are two small, circular attachment holes flanking a larger circular hole. The back is plain and the front is decorated with a running design of interlacing knots. Dimensions: Length: 23.23 mm Width: 7.52 mm Thickness: 0.77 mm Weight: 1.34 g Discussion: The precise function of this artefact is uncertain, but it appears to have been mounted originally to a larger object. One possibility is an early medieval sword grip mount, some types of which are created by metal strips wrapped around the hand-grip to form decorative bands. A broadly similar example appears on a sword from Crundale Down, Kent (British Museum, 1894,1103.1), although the interlace style differs. The interlace on the Martin mount is better paralleled in eighth century metalwork (cf. PAS database SF-ED5D66, YORYM-E1EE28, LIN-B123F1), and thus points to a date in that period. Gold sword fittings are uncommon from this period, so the identification of this piece remains uncertain. Date: Eighth century Conclusion: This object consists of over 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old at the time of finding and as such qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Authors: Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen Finds Liaison Officer, Dorset Portable Antiquities Scheme Dr. Sue Brunning Curator, European Early Medieval Collections British Museum

Date: 700 - 800

Object type: MOUNT

Last import: September 22, 2022