7th-8th century AD. A silver 'hipped' pin with bulbous thickened section towards the point; knop formed as a animal head with two lateral ribs for the ears, roundels on the cusp of the upper edges for eyes, two indentations beneath for nostrils, lateral slashes for the mouth and a small collar. Cf. Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.97, item 69(g"). Hammond, B., British Artefacts, volume 2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010. 2.76 grams, 66mm (2 1/2"). Property of an Essex gentleman; previously with Ancient Art at Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1; formerly in the collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green collection; accompanied by the original guarantee of authenticity and identification card from Ancient Art at Fortnum & Mason. The design of the animal’s head is reminiscent of 7th-8th century Insular Art, for example the Lindisfarne Gospels.