Ancient Coins and Antiquities

Anglo-Saxon, 9th Century, a magnificent large silver and niello inlaid strap-end with a central Trewhiddle animal motif incised and inlaid with niello, surrounded by interlacing ribbon strands which have piercings in between; the stylised beast is facing left with the head forward, the split end with two rivet holes above a fan shaped field containing a foliate motif, convex sides and a large zoomorphic terminal. Integral oval shaped stud fitting behind, 63 x 19mm, 21.09 g. Extremely fine. the silver patinated and with the niello inlay intact; an outstanding example £1,500-£2,000

M. O’Bee Collection, acquired in the 1980s.

Trewhiddle style decoration is the most popular and significant art form of 9th-10th century metalwork. This example closely resembles a Class A, Type 1ii (Thomas 2000).