Horse Harness Mount ?

[LuckyB]

I’m guessing this is horse harness boss or mount but is there any way of putting a date on it? It is copper alloy and “feels” old ie it appears handmade as it slightly irregular in shape and the chamfered edges have been filed. From the attachment pins on the rear, it looks like it was cast. I’ve searched the PAS database and found a Medieval horse pendant with the same size and shape, described as “quatrefoil in plan with each section separated by a triangular knop” and yes a knop is a small knob! A new one on me!
https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts ... /id/257630 Record ID: ESS-D18635 - MEDIEVAL harness pendant

There are a few similar mounts but the medieval ones seem to have a single shank as opposed to my two tangs and most of them seem to be enamelled whereas mine is plain.
https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/20496 Record ID: SF5771 - MEDIEVAL harness mount

This the closest I could find but there may be others on here who are more familiar with this type of item and who can point me in the right direction.
https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts ... id/1048632 Record ID: PUBLIC-074C79 - POST MEDIEVAL harness mount

Found with the Manticore on some stubble 4” down, came in as a strong 65 on the centre line. ATG, Sensitivity 25, Recovery 5, Ferrous limits upper 7 lower off, All Metal on, Audio Theme Enhanced and Medium Profile, Stabiliser 1, Stabiliser Filter Off.

Thanks for looking

[RuthB]

Hi
I think a useful rule of thumb is that mounts with two integral spikes are often post-medieval in date.
If you search post-medieval quatrefoil mounts or strap fittings there are a few similar ones to yours eg
https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts ... id/1011100
Cheers, Ruth

[LuckyB]

Oh that's a good match, thanks Ruth