Copper-alloy, 18.55 grams, 45.21 mm. Circa 6th-7th century AD. A cast copper-alloy buckle comprising an integral plate and loop and separate tongue. The loop is D-shaped in section and kidney-shaped in plan with a couch for the tongue, which is formed from a flat bar looped through a circular hole in the plate. The plate is provided with two holes: a crescent at the rear and a keyhole-shaped one in front. There are two pierced lugs on the reverse for attachment. Reference: cf. hinged-plate openwork buckle from Eski-Kermen in Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007 item I.6.1.1. Very fine condition, complete. Provenance: from an old English collection.