Identifying an object

Hi.
I found this whilst metal detectoring just over a year ago. I really have no idea what it is. If you have any questions then feel free to ask.

 

Back of the object

 

Hi Ben and welcome!

The first question is size. Next is material if you know it (brass, silver, iron etc)

(I enlarged the photos so people can see them easier. If you select full size image yours will probably enlarge too.).

 

Ben, I had to enlarge the photos to take a look at your "find", so I thought I'd post them here for others to see better, too. How BIG is this item?

 

Thanks for the fast reply.
It's 3cm (almost exactly) from left to right at its maximum, and 4cm up to down (almost exactly). I'm not sure the material, all I know that it is metal and is dark grey and shiny. There are also no marks.

 

I'm wondering if you might be in the UK (using cm). If so, or in Europe etc, there are more likely options than in the US.

I'm not saying this is it but it's interesting how the back is made in comparison to #10. (You aren't near Heybridge are you?)

http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue40/1/3-7-12.html

 

I found the object in the UK, in North East Norfolk (in a field)
(80 miles from Heybridge)

 

Have you tried looking through this database? I tried just looking at copper alloy mounts but there are many possibilities. Hopefully some of the UK boardies will have some ideas.


https://finds.org.uk/database/searc...ctType/MOUNT/materialTerm/Copper+alloy/page/1


Record ID: BERK-D96C41
Object type: MOUNT
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Oxfordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper alloy late medieval / early post-medieval belt or strap mount. The mount is cruciform in plan with large rounded terminals to each arm. There is a raised linear moulding running both across the width and up and down the length of the joining arms of the cross, seperating the mount into quartered panels. Each of these panels contains moulded scroll designs but unfortunately these are too worn to make out any further detail. The reverse of the mount is plain but there are the remains of two integrally cast copper alloy prongs for attachment onto a (probable) leather strap.…
Created on: Tuesday 18th October 2011





This is generally like yours and the finder calls it a mount 1500-1700 but not sure where she gets that.

http://www.colchestertreasurehuntin...other-7-sheets-of-finds-!!!-21st-may&p=111230

 

Wonder if it's not an ornament for a harness, something that way, that could easily fall off.

Post above came in while I was typing. See it suggests something similar: a metal decoration for attaching to leather.

 

I see. I'll have a look through the database now. If anyone else has any idea then please say.

 

Also, does anyone know how to figure out what type of metal it is? Parts of it reflect in the light

 

Bump

 

I have only got a fridge magnet, and it doesn't be appear to be magnetic but it is definitely metallic.

 

Ben, I'd take it to your local Portable Antiquities officer.