8th-9th century AD. A silver bird-head pendant comprising a D-section neck and curved beak with hollow to the inner face, herringbone detailing to the neck, domed eyes with triskele and comma-leaf pupils, suspension loop above. See Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B. Fuglen, Dyret og Mennesket i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.2, Borgen, 2005; Brown, P. The Book of Kells, London, reprinted 1992. 12 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. The bird-head finial has parallels in Scandinavian art (e.g. the mount from Hovinsaari, Finland - Franceschi et al, item 115) while the triskele and comma-leaf detailing to the eye and the incised ornament on the beak have parallels in e.g. the Book of Kells. Very fine condition.