Silver, 3.98 grams, 24.35 mm. 7th-10th century AD. A D-shaped repoussé mount with slightly dished profile and recurved edge. The outer border comprises alternating roundels and billets, with beads along the base. The central zoomorphic motif is a winged, bird-headed quadruped sitting on its haunches with its head passing backwards over its shoulder and its two wings raised either side. The recurved edge features a rectangular slot in the base. Two mounting pins are still in situ on the reverse. The gryphon was an important motif in Khazar culture and featured in the funerary symbolism. Reference: for Khazar culture, see Pavic, M. Dictionary of the Khazars, London, 1989. Good very fine condition. Provenance: from an old collection, found Continental Europe.