10th-12th century AD. A silver disc mount with beaded rim, parcel-gilt concentric bands with beading, central textured field with reserved horseman with a bird of prey on his right arm; surrounding him a serpent, a bear, a wolf, a waterfowl, a dog; attachment scar to the reverse. Cf. Adams, N., Bright Lights in the Dark Ages. The Thaw Collection of Early Medieval Ornaments, New York, 2014, item 6.20.19.4 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). Property of a London businessman; previously the property of a UK collector; formerly acquired in Germany after 1945; thence by descent; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10505-170704. The disc is a close parallel for the 'falconer disc' type of ornament found in the Urals region and known from a number of similar finds. The type is believed to have been made by the court craftsmen of the Volga Bulgar capital at Bilyar. This citadel was destroyed by the Mongols in 1236 AD. The discs remained in use as heirlooms for a considerable period. The iconography represents a falconer hunting with his favourite bird, surrounded by a sample of the wildlife of the northern forests. Some examples show the falconer raising a drinking horn to his lips. In addition to the gilt band, there is evidence for the use of niello to provide a stark contrast to the bright metal surfaces. The purpose of the discs has never been established for certain, but one possibility is that they were used as tally or accreditation items, guaranteeing safe passage to the bearer throughout the territory of the issuing ruler.