Sword-pommel

Sword-pommel; silver-gilt. Late 8th century, of Anglo-Saxon or Pictish origin. If Pictish, it represents an adaptation of a typically Anglo-Saxon design. Front and rear are identical in their pattern, made up of elaborately interlaced, speckled beasts. Part of the St Ninian's Hoard, discovered in 1958. For more information on the St Ninian's Isle treasure hoard, visit http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_collections/collection_highlights/st_ninians_isle_treasure.aspx © The Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland.