Late Anglo-Saxon Prick Spur with Urnes Style Mythical Beast
Circa 1030-1100 A.D. The T-shaped body with remains of the iron core, each of the arms with a series of three transverse ridges, the shaft with moulded Urnes style zoomorphic decoration comprising scrolling tendrils running down either side, each running up to a coiled projection on either side of the head, possibly depicting ears or horns. See for similar spurs in PAS, nos. GLO-961A93, WILT-E1CDD0, BH-A1AFD3, SUR-301C41, SUR-C715A1; see also Williams, D., 'Two Late Saxon spur fragments from Sussex and Hampshire' in Medieval archaeology: Journal of the Society for Medieval Archaeology, 2002, no.46, pp.115-117. Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67. 28.9 grams, 55 mm (2 1/8 in.).

Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk, UK, by R.Humphrys. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.NMS-524F67. Artefacts such as these are dated to the 11th century and are thought to be Viking in origin, but were widely used by the Anglo-Scandinavians and remained a legacy for the Anglo-Saxon cavalry. Spurs of this type were used probably by the Saxons at the battle of Hastings in 1066. [No Reserve]