3rd century AD. A silver pelta-shaped spatha sword chape of the Zugmantel variant, openwork forms to the front face with four peltate perforations for the fastening rivets, divided into two halves by a vertical rib. See Miks, C., Studien zur Römischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, pre-plate F, nos.41,43-45, for the type; pls.246-249, especially B344,2. 53.9 grams, 57mm wide (2 1/4"). European art market in the 2000s. UK private collection. Property of a Surrey gentleman.