Silver-gilt, 7.50 grams, 38.63 mm. Late 6th to early 7th century AD. A beautiful example of the classic S-Fibel found across the Germanic world in the 6th and 7th centuries. The curves of the 's' are tightly formed. The central cloison is a rectangle of red garnet or glass on the body, with trianular panels on the curve of the neck and circular panels for the eyes. Chip-carved geometric forms are placed between the cloisons and a raised border extends along the outer edges from one eye to the other, extending to form the two beaks. The catchplate and two spring lugs are in place on the reverse. The gilding is still visible on much of the surface. Reference: similar in design to Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, p.419 item VI.3.14.1. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, found Continental Europe.