Anglo-saxon Gilt Bronze Scabbard Mount, Circa 5th-7th Century Ad

A detailed example of a carved chip scabbard mount.

A scabbard is a sheath intended to hold a sword or blade. The Anglo-Saxons were migrants from Northern Europe who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. It refers to settlers from the German regions of Angeln and Saxony, who came to Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire around 410 AD. However, Anglo-Saxon mercenaries had fought for many years in the Roman army in Britain and were therefore not entirely foreign to the island. Their invasions were slow and piecemeal, beginning even before the Roman legions had left. There is even evidence to suggest that some Saxons were invited to help protect the country from invasion.

Private collection Provence EX North Yorkshire 1990s.