10th century AD. A bronze chape for a sword's scabbard, heater-shaped with lug to the point and scooped upper edges; to each broad face a low-relief design of a stylised animal with segmented body and limbs; tip of the iron blade and portion of the wooden scabbard remaining inside. Cf. Paulsen, P. Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, item 39 for type. 70 grams, 80mm (3 1/4"). From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. Very fine condition.