File:11th Century Stirrup-strap Mount (FindID 973714).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper-alloy stirrup strap-mount of the late Early-Medieval (Late Saxon) period, dating from c. AD 1000- AD 1150. It finds its closest parallels in Williams's Class A, Type 11C mounts (1997, 68).

Description: The mount is sub-triangular in form with a straight base edge, although the usual semi-circular suspension loop at the apex has broken off. The front of the mount depicts a left-facing lion, standing on three legs with one foreleg and the head bent up and back, facing upwards, executed in high relief. Only part of the tail of the lion is visible which tends to curl over the back, ending just behind the ear which faces downwards. The lion is enclosed by a plain border which joins to the body at the legs. The border is thicker at the base of the mount. There is evidence of re-use through re-piercing at the top right of the mount viewed from the front. At the base of the mount, the iron rivets remain in situ causing iron corrosion which have corroded into a lump now adhering to both sides of the base. The back is almost entirely covered by iron corrosion which hides any evidence of possible decoration. The colour is darker around the front of the mount where the lion is depicted, a lighter yellow in the background, and red where iron corrosion occurs at the base of the front and the entire reverse side.

Measurements: Length 26.67mm X Width 29.25mm (base) 13.18mm (top) X Thickness 9.33mm X Weight 13.71g

Discussion: Other similar examples of this type are illustrated by Williams, which he classifies as Class A, Type 11C (1997, 68). Similar sub-types can be found on this database: <a href="https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/852097">KENT-AC4AC3</a>.