Saxon / Merovingian gold gilded chip-carved armour fitting

Code: 10990

This is a wonderful Saxon period chip-carved belt fitting, dating to the 6th - 7th century. It is decorated with a complex interlaced design, some of the gold gilding has worn off giving a nice contrast with the patina. It retains four rivet holes with traces of the iron rivets. This was presumably riveted to metal (rather than leather) using the iron rivets for strength, as such would have formed part of an armour or helmet decoration with the design suitable for a leather strap. A rare object, comparable with finds from the Staffordshire Hoard!

OBJECT: Strap Fitting

CULTURE: Anglo Saxon / Merovingian

DATE: c. 6th - 7th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Bronze gold gilded

SIZE: 34mm x 12mm 

WEIGHT: 3.19 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection (this is not a British find!)