EARLY MEDIEVAL HARNESS FITTING

1000

A heavily worn and corroded copper-alloy harness junction of late Anglo-Saxon date. A similar three-way harness junction has been found in a mid 11th-century context at New Fresh Wharf, London (see F. Pritchard; 1991; pp. 147-9) and a very close parallel was found at Osbournby, Lincs., still with a 'socketed hook' strap-fitting attached (LIN-F29FC4). Another example with similar engraved decoration can be found at NMS-7E8916. The piece is sub-circular, domed and has three irregularly-shaped holes, two of which are missing their outer edges. The space between these holes contains traces of the Ringerike-style engraving, which hints at an Anglo-Scandinavian origin. It measures 31.7mm wide, by 34.2mm high and 5.8mm thick. The weight is 14.74g.