Carolingian, 10th century, a silver gilt rectangular mount, measuring 37mm x 26mm x 12mm, in high relief with a floral design, the centre quatrefoil and corner trefoils inlaid with niello. Arranged around are leaves with deeply grooved veins. The base is hollowed out with a pierced lug on each corner. Good very fine with sharp detailing £600-£800

Acquired in 2011 by the present owner and recorded with the PAS although no find spot is known.

The plant motifs in high relief are a characteristic of 9th-10th century Carolingian mounts and strap ends. Niello inlay is also normally present. XRF analysis shows 83.14% silver with 7.26% gold. Bismuth, Antimony and Mercury are all present ass trace elements. A full listing is available on request.