Mileham sword pommel

Anglo-Saxon

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

late 6th-early 7th Century

Swords were prized and rare possessions in Anglo-Saxon warrior society, and fittings associated with them are consequently unusual archaeological finds. This sword pommel is unusual as it is made from gilded silver and decorated with a type of ornament most commonly seen on high-status and prestige objects. The sword to which this pommel was originally attached must have been a prestige weapon, probably with an aristocratic owner. This work was acquired with the support of the Art Fund with the assistance of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

• Medium: silver
• Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.15 x 1.2cm
• Art Fund Grant: £600 ( Total: £800)
• ArtFunded in: 2008
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered by a metal detectorist in Mileham, Norfolk and declared Treasure in 2007.

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