6th-7th century AD. A silver belt buckle comprising: hinged loop with couch to the forward edge; tongue with scooped recess towards the rear; openwork plaque with punched detailing, transverse band and serpents flanking a quatrefoil, vesica terminal with facing female; pierced lugs to the reverse. See Wamser, L. Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004. 35 grams, 79mm (3 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.