5th-6th century AD. A gilt bronze gusset plate from a wrist-clasp set, formed as a triangle with slightly concave sides terminating in a stylised beast's head with roundel eyes and a square muzzle, loop below; on each side a pierced lug (one absent), by which the plate was sewn to the garment; raised median band with scrolled ends. 7.8 grams, 50mm (2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. See Hines, J. Clasps-Hektespenner-Agraffen: Anglo-Scandinavian Clasps of the Third to Sixth Centuries AD. Typology, Diffusion and Function. Kungl. Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien, 1993. Fine condition.