Pommel Cap

Anglo-Saxon

Colchester Castle Museum

circa 575-625

The Ardleigh 'cocked hat' pommel cap is a thin gold sheath that fitted over the pommel of a high-status sword. It is a rare and striking example of Anglo-Saxon metalwork from the 'East Saxon' region, and is decorated with fine-quality filigree ornament including zoomorphs, quatrefoil knots and interlace. This form of pommel is found mainly in eastern Scandinavia, as well as in Kent, east and north-east England, the Danube headwaters and northern Italy.

• Medium: gold
• Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.2cm
• Grant Paid: £2750 ( Total: £6500)
• ArtFunded in: 2006
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered in 2003 by a metal detectorist at Ardleigh, near Colchester, Essex, and declared Treasure in 2005.

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