Anglo-Saxon Bronze Sword Scabbard Mount with Woden and Ravens

Comprising: a plain Roman lanceolate strap end; a strap end with an animal head terminal and interlaced design, two rivet holes (9th century A.D.); a strap end, with multiple interlock animals, two rivet holes (9th century A.D.); a strap end, banded with vertical design (9th century A.D.); a tongue-shaped strap end with a design representing a tree, central boss surrounded by repeated radiate design, three rivet holes; a wolf or dragon head copper stirrup terminal; a round openwork knife's pommel. 85 grams total, 30-65 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

The decoration of the military belts included metal strap ends, which were fixed to the end of the belts and formed of protection and acted as a weighted terminal. Strap ends were multi-purpose in function, used primarily in pairs for waist belts, baldrics and horse harnesses.

Flat plaque formed as a facing mask with triangular beard extending from beneath the nose, two lateral curled arms each ending in an avian head; attachment holes and voids; back strap absent. 6.52 grams, 31 mm



Found Flordon, Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NMS-805A2A.

The facing male mask flanked by birds of prey is believed to represent Woden, the war-god, with ravens on his shoulders; this motif appears later in Scandinavia as Oðin with his ravens, Huginn and Muninn.

With trapezoidal headplate and lateral wings, domed stud above, deep bow and equine finial; ferrous remains to reverse. 28.5 grams, 87 mm



Found Lincolnshire, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998.