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Thursday, 31st August 2006 (3570 views)

An Anglo-Saxon belt buckle dating back 1,300 years has gone on public display for the first time this week.

The buckle is made of copper alloy but it has evidence of a more auspicious past as experts believe the piece was original plated with gold.

It follows an unusual Byzantine style, archaeologists noted, which made the item particularly interesting as it would normally be found on the continent, especially on the Iberian Peninsula.

Typically fastened to a "loop and tongue" strap with an iron pin, it would have been gilded and worn by wealthy people or those with high societal importance.

The rare design and age of the item means it is only the second such piece ever to be discovered in England, after it was unearthed on the outskirts of London by amateur enthusiast Bill Robson.

"This buckle is as beautiful as anything you could hope to find on Bond Street," said Faye Simpson, an archaeologist at the Museum of London.

"This is a really exciting find, which has come to light through responsible metal detecting."

 

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