Copper-alloy, 43.63 grams, 80.38 mm. Circa 4th century AD. A cast openwork hinged buckle set comprising an elliptical loop with two pairs of open-mouthed animal-heads, one pair flanking the bar at the rear of the loop and the other flanking the couch for the tongue. The tongue is a flat bar with a panel of transverse ribbing close to the rear edge. The plate is formed with four series of D-shaped voids at each end and a longer elliptical void between each pair. The rear edge of the plate is scrolled and the forward edge features a thickened border with ribbed decoration. The plate is pierced at each corner to accept attachment rivets (still in place). Reference: cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S. Roman Buckles and Miiltary Fittings, Witham, 2007 p.171 (plate) and 184 (loop). Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.