A beautiful copper-alloy Anglo-Saxon zoomorphic strap-end, circa 9th century in date. The terminal takes the form of a stylised animal head with a rounded snout and large ears. The attachment end has two rivet holes and is split to accommodate the leather or fabric strap. The area beneath the rivet holes is decorated with an incised palmette. The central section is engraved with an image of a backwards biting beast in the Trewhiddle Style. The reverse of the strap-end is plain and broken at the attachment end. Some inlay remains to the engraved decoration. A wonderful and evocative piece of British history in superb condition.

Dimensions: 35 mm x 13 mm.

Classification: Thomas Class A, Type 1 (Trewhiddle Style). Haldenby, Group 3 (Animal to right looking back).

References: Gabor Thomas, (2003) Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age strap-ends 750-1100: Part 1 Finds Research Group AD 700-1700, Datasheet 32.

David Haldenby, A Study of 9th Century Anglo-Saxon Strap-ends, Treasure Hunting, Dec 1997-Apr 1998.