Copper-alloy, 86.81 grams, 74.60 mm. Circa 10th century AD. A heavy cast bracelet with a slightly flattened D-shaped section. The terminals are formed as a thick, rectangular brow-ridge with saltire incisions developing into a thinner, upturned muzzle decorated with transverse banding. The design emulates the twisted construction of the standard Viking torc or neck-ring, and the serpent’s body with a head at each end is a symbol of protection used by Scandinavians, Franks, Anglo-Saxons and other Germanic cultures since the Late Roman Iron Age. Reference: Lehtosalo-Hilander, P-L.,Luistari I, The Graves pl.67 and Luistari II, The Artefacts, Vammala, 1982. Very fine condition.