Copper-alloy, 5.83 grams, 14.84 mm. 6th-7th century AD. A hollow-cast sword pyramid with a flat top and three triangular recesses on each face surrounding a V-shaped central reserved space. The slider-bar is missing from the underside, lost in antiquity. This is a small, carefully-made example of the type, without the garnet cloisons of the richer finds. The purpose of the pyramids, which were worn in pairs, was connected to the elaborate suspension mechanism for high-status pattern-welded swords of the 6th-7th century, the period of Sutton Hoo, the Prittlewell Prince and the more recent Staffordshire Hoard finds. Evidently a strap passed over the rear bar, allowing the pyramids to slide along the strap, perhaps as part of the 'peace-bands' which are mentioned in later sources as a symbolic way of showing that the sword could not be drawn in haste. Reference: cf. the similar example from Barham, Suffolk in West. S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998 p.121 fig.48. Good fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.