Gilded copper-alloy, 11.82 grams, 67.99 mm. Late 6th - 7th century AD. A cast copper-alloy mount with a partially gilded surface, its design symmetrical about the vertical and horizontal axes. The outer element is a bird’s head with a pronounced brow-ridge (a classic Style II design feature) and curled beak. This joins onto two panels: the inner one is billeted, while the outer features a serpent with its body twisted about itself - the head and the tail can be seen together at the lower end. A similar serpent-design can be seen incised into wood on the arms of the harp found at Trossingen, Germany. These design-complexes are arranged around a reserved field consisting of a roundel and a transverse bar; this field is presently empty but traces of attachment points can be seen at the outer edges, suggesting a further decorative panel. Three attachment lugs are on the reverse, one complete. The opposed bird-heads are associated with the cult of Woden in this period. References: Theune-Grosskopf, B. Die Vollständig erhaltene Leier des 6. Jahrhunderts aus Grab 58 von Trossingen, Ladkr. Tuttlingen, Baden-Württemberg, in Germania 84, 2006. Extremely fine condition. Ex Lord McAlpine collection.