Silver-gilt, 1.34 grams, 21.72 mm. 8th-9th century AD. A cast disc featuring a gilded central circular panel displaying a pair of opposed hunting dogs with their muzzles meeting at the outer edge, their bodies curving towards their spiral shoulders and their paws interlaced in the middle. On the edge is a pierced lobe for suspension; the lobe was damaged in antiquity and the disc was re-used - probably as a brooch, with traces of solder from the hinge and catchplate on the reverse. The creatures are executed in an evolved form of Insular Style seen in 7th-8th century manuscripts. Reference: Hammond, B. British Artefacts Volume 2 - Middle Saxon and Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.14-j. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old collection.