Gilt copper-alloy, 3.56 grams, 22.21 mm. 8th century AD. A Bifacial 'fantastic animal' chip-carved terminal from an 8th century dress pin. The copper-alloy casting has been heavily gilded and its eyes set with two garnets (or red-glass chips). Dr. Kevin Leahy of the PAS describes the item as 'deeply chip-carved', and the casting is very carefully executed to provide the maximum glitter and display. Pin terminals of this kind are an 8th century phenomenon which faded by the 9th century as public taste moved towards silver and niello jewellery. Reference: cf. Webster, L & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.96 fig.69f. Good very fine condition. Provenance: found in Nottinghamshire and accompanied by a PAS registration document initialled by Dr. Kevin Leahy.