EARLY MEDIEVAL STRAP END

800

Middle Saxon/Late Saxon strap-end of Thomas (2003) Class A, Type 5, attachment edge missing, broken across two rivet holes, rather abraded. Apparently engraved fan-shaped field. Three club-shaped fields (cf. ibid. fig.1 no.12) are filled with off-white niello in which one tiny fragment of silver wire inlay survives. The ears of the animal head are abraded, but apparently enhanced by engraving. The eyes are drilled and the snout badly damaged. 32.5 x 14mm. 9th century.