File:IOW-930F77 Medieval Harness Pendant (FindID 458149).jpg

English: An almost complete, slightly misshapen and corroded Medieval harness pendant (c. 1300-c. 1400).

This octofoil pendant is in the form of a voided cross pattée which has scallop shell terminals to its arms, with diagonal arms projecting from between the arms of the cross. The diagonal arms terminate with a trefoil or fleur-de-lis.
At the beginning of each diagonal arm is a moulded heart-shaped recess forming a cell which is inlaid with blue enamel. A suspension loop is situated at the uppermost terminal of the cross and the loop is turned through 90° to the plane of the pendant. The upper part of the loop has two breaks. At the rear the surface is flat and plain.

The surfaces are corroded with the remains of a buff patina on the front and rear. On the patina, at the front, there are minute flecks of gilding visible under magnification only. There are small areas of bronze disease on both faces. The blue enamel is stable but crazed.

50.5 x 42.4 x 6.1mm. Weight: 16.37g.

This pendant design is relatively unusual. However, similar examples have been recorded. See Portable Antiquities Scheme finds: HAMP-6943E2 and NARC-555A85 (from Newport Parish, Isle of Wight). Also, see: UKDFD Ref. No. - 7359.

Octagonal and elaborate pendants illustrated in Ashley (2002, 24; fig. 23, refs: 224-235) are dated to the 14th century and this example is also likely to be of this date.