Frankish Gilt Chip-Carved Scabbard Mount with Garnets
Circa 6th century A.D. A gilt copper-alloy mount or scabbard-slider (Menghin's Typ IIIa Basel-Gotterbarmweg-Entringen) comprising three horizontal rectangular cells to the upper, middle and lower third of the body, each with gilt frame and set with a polished garnet cloison; the interstitial bridges with gilt ribbing; iron remains to verso. Cf. Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, p.155. 11.8 grams, 44 mm (1 3/4 in.). Found UK.Acquired in the 1990s.From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK. [No Reserve]