What was artefact used for?!

[BradHayward1]

Hi guys! Could someone please tell me what this Medieval cruciform mount was used for?

Many thanks!!

 

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[Blackfoot58]

Was it used for mounting a large crucifix to a wall? The shape would keep it out of sight.

 

[Red-Coat]

Welcome to Tnet. If @CRUSADER sees this, he may well have a view.

They’re generally just referred to as “mounts” because they had a multitude of ornamental and functional purposes, but can’t usually be reliably attributed to a specific usage unless found in direct association with other items.

Some of the functional ones may have served as strap-keepers or sliders. Some have fitments or the remnants of fitments on the back that suggest they may have been brooches. Some have loops for suspension, suggesting they were worn as pendants or hung from bridles and such as ornamentation. Without those indications, it’s a matter of guesswork.

Very occasionally, they’re found with semi-precious stones (or coral/shell) in the central hole but usually the hole is then a cavity rather than going all the way through. If the hole does go all the way through it usually means they were riveted to something… harnesses, saddles or other horse fitments; leather pouches/bags; belts, or whatever.

 

[bowwinkles]

It appears to be a vintage faucet handle. to turn off the water, steam , or other liquid.

 

[Red-Coat]

It appears to be a vintage faucet handle. to turn off the water, steam , or other liquid.

This item was purchased from a reputable UK dealer in fossils, meteorites and artefacts with a guarantee of authenticity (for what that's worth). Here's a better picture of it from the listing. It's clearly a primitive casting, as evidenced by the irregularities and imperfect symmetry.

The capstan for a vintage tap (faucet) would usually have a square hole (sometimes triangular) since it needs to be able to turn the spindle of the valve assembly without slipping. A round hole is possible, but only as a means of securing it, and there still needs to be a way for it to grip the spindle. A set of corrugations that lock onto a corresponding set on the spindle for example.

 

[CRUSADER]

This item was purchased from a reputable UK dealer in fossils, meteorites and artefacts with a guarantee of authenticity (for what that's worth). Here's a better picture of it from the listing. It's clearly a primitive casting, as evidenced by the irregularities and imperfect symmetry.

View attachment 2115652

The capstan for a vintage tap (faucet) would usually have a square hole (sometimes triangular) since it needs to be able to turn the spindle of the valve assembly without slipping. A round hole is possible, but only as a means of securing it, and there still needs to be a way for it to grip the spindle. A set of corrugations that lock onto a corresponding set on the spindle for example.

I'll be amazed if this could carry a guarantee of authenticity of its 'true attribution', as it would be very questionable as to its function & age.
Not something I would even speculate on.