MEDIEVAL MOUNT

1050

Medieval gilt, oval, openwork mount depicting a lion passant reguardant. Surface details including the eye is picked out in engraving. Each of the twelve toes are indicated with a punched annulet and annulets decorate the body, mane and tale. On the reverse there is a slight off-centre projection, the stub on an integral attachment shank, and around the edge five incomplete and abraded integral loops set at approximate right angles to the edge. These project from behind the head, the lozengiform terminal of the tail, the left rear foot and both front feet, but there is a long gap behind the animal. To what these loops were attached is uncertain. 50 x 32mm. Thickness 2 – 2.5mm. Loop internal diameter c. 2.5mm. Shank stub c.4mm across. Late 11th – 12th century.