Brass Belt Mounts with Quatrefoil Design, Set of 5

Brass Belt Mounts with Quatrefoil Design, Set of 5

Application and Assembly

These versatile mounts are designed primarily for decorating leather belts. However, they are also perfectly suited for bag straps, pouch flaps, the covers of leather-bound books, or as decorative elements on leather armour pieces like pauldrons or bracers. Thanks to the two integrated rivet posts on the back, they can be attached securely and reliably.

How to Rivet Your Mounts

For a correct and secure installation that ensures a strong connection without damaging the mount or your garment, we recommend the following steps:

1. Precisely mark and punch holes in the leather for the rivet posts.
2. Push the posts of the mount through the leather.
3. On the back side, place a suitable brass washer (not included) over each post. The washer distributes the pressure and prevents the mount from tearing out of the leather.
4. Shorten the posts! This is a key step. The post should only extend 1–2 mm beyond the washer. A post that is too long will be difficult to shape when peening and could bend or break. Use a pair of cutting pliers to shorten it.
5. With a small ball-peen hammer, carefully and with targeted strikes, peen the end of the post into a dome or mushroom shape. Work slowly and check the shape as you go. Remember that brass is a soft and malleable metal.

Decoration in the Middle Ages

In the Gothic and Renaissance periods, a belt was not just a practical accessory but, above all, a significant symbol of social status. Richly decorated belts with cast buckles, strap ends, and a series of decorative mounts like these were a privilege of the nobility and wealthy citizens. The more magnificent the belt, the more important its owner.

A Note on Sumptuary Laws

During the Middle Ages, there were so-called "sumptuary laws" (from the Latin *leges sumptuariae*), which precisely dictated who was allowed to wear certain materials and decorations. A commoner or craftsman was forbidden from wearing a belt adorned with silver or gold, even if they could afford it. Brass fittings like these, however, were accessible to a broader class of people and were a popular way to tastefully and accurately enhance one's attire.

Caring for Your Brass

Brass naturally oxidizes over time, acquiring a darker patina that is often desirable for an authentic, historical look. If you wish to keep the mounts shiny, you can occasionally polish them with a soft cloth and a suitable brass cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh scouring pads or abrasive pastes, which could scratch the fine details of the relief.

Product Specifications