English: A complete cast copper alloy harness hook of Medieval date (c. AD 1100 – c. AD 1200). Overall length 61.0mm, maximum width 11.0mm. Weight 14.01g.

The fitting consists of two separate bar mounts joined together by an integral loop and an integral hook, enabling the two elements to move freely and independently.

The first and larger of the two elements is in the form of a bar mount with an integral rectangular loop. The outer dimensions of the loop are about 13.0mm x 11.0mm and the inner dimensions are about 9.5mm x 5.0mm. The bar is 19.0mm in length and has a maximum width of 9.5mm at its junction with the loop. From the loop it tapers to a width of 8.5mm before becoming rounded in profile. The bar is triangular in cross-section, bevelled longitudinally at the front and flat at the rear.

Both the bar and the loop are flat at the rear. On the rear face of the bar are two integral rivets, one at either end. Each rivet is about 7.0mm proud of the face and is sub-circular in cross-section having a diameter of about 4.0mm. The rivet nearest the rounded end is on the longitudinal centre-line, whereas the other rivet is acutely off-centre.

The second and slightly smaller of the two elements is in the form of a bar mount with an integral hook. The bar in this element is much the same shape as the bar described above. However, it has a length of 18.0mm and a maximum width of 9.0. The shank of the integral hook is sub-circular in cross-section and has a maximum diameter of 5.1mm. From the bar, it projects rearwards and downwards before re-curving through 180° and expanding to form a sub-oval shape which is flat on both faces. The extreme tip of the hook almost makes contact with the shank. The two integral rivets on this bar are roughly the same but are slightly shorter than the rivets on the other bar. All four rivets are slightly burred over at their ends.

The piece is corroded overall and a patina has not survived. The metal is a reddish purple colour. There is no evidence for gilding.

Two parallels for the hooked element of this harness fitting have been recorded in Suffolk. See Portable antiquities Scheme finds: <a href="http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=0013EA16125012A2">SF6325</a> and <a href="http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_obj.php?type=finds&id=0013EA1612401E38">SF5256</a>