5th-6th century AD. A heavy gold buckle comprising a round-section loop thickening at the forward edge; curved tongue; heart-shaped plate with three inset garnet cloisons, pierced plate beneath to accept three attachment rivets. See Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, for discussion.19.4 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a European collector; acquired in 2010; previously in a private Dutch collection formed in the 1970s-1990s.