- Free entry with National Art Pass.
- View venue & entry details
The Ardleigh 'cocked hat' pommel cap is a thin gold sheath that fitted over the pommel of a high-status sword.
Pommel Cap by Anglo-Saxon, circa 575-625
© Colchester Castle Museum
Details
- Category:
- Military
- Medium:
- Gold Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.2cm
- Art Fund grant:
- £2,750 ( Total: £6,500)
- Acquired in:
- 2006
- Vendor:
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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.
Provenance
Discovered in 2003 by a metal detectorist at Ardleigh, near Colchester, Essex, and declared Treasure in 2005.
Venue details
Entry details
Free entry with National Art Pass (standard entry charge is £6.25)
Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm
Sun, 11am – 5pm
Closed 24 – 27 Dec and 1 Jan