Brass Crescent Mounts for Viking Bags, Set of 2

Brass Crescent Mounts for Viking Bags, Set of 2

Early Medieval And Viking-Inspired Design

This Viking-style belt mount is not an exact reproduction of one particular archaeological find. Its appearance is broadly inspired by Early Medieval metal fittings and Viking-period decorative design. For costume and historically inspired equipment, we therefore recommend it particularly for an 8th–11th-century aesthetic.

Cast copper-alloy fittings were used on belts, straps and other elements of personal equipment during the Early Middle Ages. Such fittings could serve practical purposes while also providing a conspicuous decorative surface. Their form and ornament varied considerably between regions, periods and local craft traditions.

The most distinctive feature of this medieval brass mount is its open crescent profile. A row of raised pellet-like ornaments runs along the inner curve, increasing in size towards the centre. Each end terminates in a pair of stylised leaf- or fin-like projections. The overall form can suggest either a lunate ornament or the silhouette of a boat, but it should not be interpreted as a scale representation of any particular Viking ship.

Decorative Mount For Bags, Belts And Leatherwork

Each brass leather mount has three fixing holes: one at the centre of the lower curve and one at each end. This three-point layout helps prevent the fitting from twisting after installation. It is particularly suitable for substantial natural leather, including bag flaps, wide belts, straps, quivers and other decorative leather components.

The warm brass surface stands out especially well against dark brown or black leather. Use a single crescent as a dominant feature or arrange several mounts symmetrically across a larger pouch or item of costume equipment.

How To Fit The Brass Mounts

Installation requires only basic leatherworking tools. Test the position of each fitting carefully before punching any holes, particularly when using several mounts in a symmetrical arrangement.

• Place the mount in its final position and mark all three fixing holes.
• Use a suitable leather punch to make holes matching the diameter of the supplied rivet shanks.
• Replace the mount and pass the rivets through the brass fitting and leather.
• For improved load distribution, small brass washers may be added on the reverse. Washers are not included in this set.
• If a rivet shank is substantially too long for your leather, shorten it carefully while leaving enough material to form a proper closing head.
• Rest the visible face of the mount on a flat surface protected with scrap leather, wood or another soft material.
• Use light blows from a small ball-peen hammer to spread each rivet end into a smooth retaining head.
• Work gradually between the three rivets so that the fitting remains level and is not distorted during installation.

Inspect the reverse when finished. The peened rivet ends must not leave sharp projections that could catch clothing or scratch the wearer.

Suitable Uses

• leather bag and pouch flaps,
• Viking- and Early Medieval-inspired belts,
• decorative straps and suspension systems,
• quivers, cases and other leather accessories,
• LARP and fantasy costume,
• historical festivals and historically inspired reenactment,
• theatre, film and photographic costume,
• bespoke leathercraft and saddlery projects.

Technical Specifications

Care And Safe Use

• Wipe the brass fittings with a soft dry cloth after use, particularly after exposure to perspiration or rain.
• Brass naturally darkens and develops a patina over time. Leave this intact if you prefer an aged appearance.
• For a brighter finish, use a small amount of mild brass polish.
• Avoid coarse abrasives, steel wool and aggressive chemical cleaners.
• If the mount and leather become wet, allow the complete item to dry slowly at room temperature.
• Use suitable tools, a stable work surface and eye protection while riveting.
• Do not strike the raised pellet decoration or decorative terminals directly with a hammer.
• Check the security of all rivets periodically.
• These mounts are primarily decorative fittings. Do not use them as safety-critical, load-bearing or highly stressed attachments for armour, harness or similar equipment.

Recommended Accessories

For a kit inspired by the Viking Age of the 8th–11th centuries, we recommend a sturdy vegetable-tanned leather pouch or belt, a simple brass or bronze buckle, a suitable strap end and additional small decorative mounts. Useful installation tools include leather punches, small brass washers, a ball-peen hammer and a solid riveting block. For academically rigorous reenactment, always compare the shape and placement of fittings with archaeological evidence from the particular region and period you wish to portray.