Copper-alloy, 15.29 grams, 45.39 mm. 5th-6th century AD. An unusual s-fibula made with reversed rotation ('z' rather than 's'). The plate is formed as an elegant curved panel with at each end an elongated neck developing into a long, arcing bird-head finial, its curved beak rejoining the main body. The beak is provided with a deep slit and the eye is marked with a punched roundel; the outer edges of the roundel are provided with semicircular punchmarks. S-fibulae are found across the Germanic world from Scandinavia to Lombard Italy; the original s-shape evolved gradually into an elliptical form with the heads formed tight against the body. The catchplate and pin lug are in place on the reverse, with ferrous residue from the pin (now missing). Reference: cf. example from Gotland in Salin, B. Die Altgermanische Thierornamentik, Stockholm, (reprinted Leipzig 1981) p.84 fig. 191. Good very fine condition. Provenance: found Cambridgeshire, England. This item is accompanied by an XRF ancient metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd.