Gilt cast copper-alloy beak-shaped fitting. Flat, with one pointed end and the other formed of two straight edges of differing lengths. There is a plain, raised outer border enclosing a Style I animal; almost all of the gilding survives within this panel. Traces of gilding on the reverse surface suggest that this was not a setting, but was intended to be viewed from both sides. There are no broken adges, and no trace of any means of attachment. The function of this elaborately decorated and well-made object is elusive. Experts at the British Museum know of no parallel. Dates to the 6th century AD. Found by metal detector at Droxford, Hampshire.
Beak-shaped fitting
Anglo-Saxon, 6th century AD
Found with a metal detector at Droxford, Hampshire in 2002
A mystery cast copper-alloy object, with much of the gilt coating surviving. A raised outer border surrounds a very stylised animal design; could it be an bird's beak? Traces of gilding on the reverse suggest that this was not a setting, but was intended to be viewed from both sides. There are no broken edges, and no trace of any means of attachment. So far, experts are baffled by this unique object, and its function remains unknown.
Portable Antiquities Scheme find number HAMP2569.
