7th century AD. A parcel-gilt silver nasal fitting fragment from a helmet of 'Vendel' type; C-shaped in section with raised horizontal ribbed bands, heart-shaped face with inset garnet cabochon eyes, long beaked nasal bar; attachment holes above the eyes and near the apex of the beak. See Mortimer, P. Woden's Warriors, Ely, 2011 for discussion. 18.5 grams, 95mm (3 3/4"). From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. Nasal protection of a similar kind appears on the helmets from barrows 5, 7 and 8 at Valsgärde, Sweden and barrow XII at the Vendel site in the same area. Variant forms appear on the helmets from Vendel Mound 1, Sweden, and Sutton Hoo Mound I, Suffolk, England. Very fine condition, usage wear. Rare.