EARLY MEDIEVAL HOOKED TAG

1000

Silver hooked tag of probable late Anglo-Saxon date. The plate is circular with two circular perforations at one end, for attachment to clothing by sewing. At the other end is a complete rearward-facing hook, curving back beneath the object and ending in a sharp point.The front of the plate is decorated with a nielloed cruciform motif set within a circular border. The design has been engraved and followed by very fine pecking, created by repeatedly tapping, punching or rocking an engraving tool. The design is slightly worn in places. The back of the plate is plain but heavily scratched.