Copper-alloy, 38.41 grams, 47.84 mm. 5th-6th century AD. A buckle, plate and tongue of Merovingian Frankish style inset with two pairs of gem stones. The loop is formed as an elliptical round-section bar (about 6mm thick) narrowing on the rear edge to accommodate the tongue, a cast rod bent around the loop and formed over the leading edge. The plate is a sturdy rectangle with two strips on the leading edge retaining the loop and forming a triangular backplate which was clasped behind the belt with a fine rivet. The plate bears cloisonne decoration: two central rectangular panels of crystal between two elliptical panels of dark mineral. Two additional securing rivets were positioned on the upper and lower edges, of which one remains. Reference: Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period: Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007 p.344510 item VII.40.8. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.