Description

Identification note: Some experts say it is not of British origin and suggest the Middle East. However, the nearest similar object is a square mount from Yarnton which is of similar size but with cursive decoration as opposed to the linear patterning on this mount. The Yarnton example is dated to the Saxon period. The main problem with the mount is the reverse which does not look like it has the type of fastening there would be on a mount. It could be the lid of a seal box but the patterning is very intricate and finely worked whereas the seal lids illustrated in publications have much cruder patterns although some are enamelled.

Summary: 1 square intricately patterned mount, Saxon ? / post Medieval ?, from an exploratory excavation to determine the source of the folk memory of a castle in Calne, carried out by the Wiltshiire Archaeological & Natural History Society Archaeological Field Group lead by R Holley, 2010.