Copper-alloy, 6.79 grams, 29.44 mm. 5th-6th century AD. An extremely rare cast rectangular strap-slider. The decorative scheme comprises a central series of roundels surrounded by a guilloche pattern, with arrow-shaped punchmarks in the notches of the guilloche – all executed by punching with a narrow, rectangular-sectioned stamp to give a ropework effect. The small scale of the piece and the neatness of its execution suggest that it came from a high-status sword scabbard. Reference: Menghin, W. Das Schwert im fruhen Mittelalter : chronologisch-typologische Untersuchungen zu Langschwertern aus germanischen Grabern des 5. bis 7. Jahrhunderts n. Chr., Stuttgart, 1983. Published: Hammond, Brett. British Artefacts, volume I - Early Anglo-Saxon. Very fine condition.