Swords and daggers were the most treasured item in military equipment in early Medieval times, as they acted as the companion to soldiers for all of their battling endeavours. Anglo-Saxon swords featured two-edged straight, flat blades. The tang of the blade was covered by a hilt, sometimes also named haft or shaft, which consisted of an upper and lower guard, a pommel, and a grip by which the sword was held. Pommels would have been plain, or elaborately decorated with a variety of styles, sometimes also including gold inlays and precious stones, depending on the rank of the soldier. The shape of the piece recalls Anglo Saxon ‘sword pyramids’. Sword pyramids were decorative fittings and mounts largely found in Anglo-Saxon graves; although the exact way they were used is not completely certain, such fittings might have been attached to leather straps that joined the sword in its scabbard to a belt.
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Trefoil Dagger Pommel Cap
$1,242.73
An extremely fine Anglo-Saxon gilt bronze trefoil shaped and domed cap, featuring a piercing to the centre for attachment. Such cap would have been originally attached to a small dagger or blade as a pommel, or alternatively employed as a mount or fitting. The artefact features and elaborate and intricate incised decoration, comprising dots and scrolls. The trefoil motif seen on this fine piece, recalls popular Anglo-Saxon and Viking brooches of similar shape.
Provenance: The artefact has been excavated in Suffolk, UK, in 1987,, requiring an export licence for international purchase. The application will be arranged by the seller, at no additional charges for the buyer. The item can only be shipped after the licence has been obtained, this may take up to six weeks.
Condition: Extremely fine, complete and intact. Original gilding still visible.
SOLD
| Weight | 9 g |
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| Dimensions | L 3 cm |
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