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Tiny Saxon status symbol is declared treasure
Trinket just 14mms square was worn as a declaration of wealth.
A tiny decoration which could have adorned the sword belt of a high-ranking Saxon warrior has been declared treasure at an inquest in Bedford.
The early medieval sword mount was unearthed by metal detectorist Bryan Hewitson in Harrold in March.
At a hearing on Tuesday, Coroner David Morris said the artefact had been found to be made up of more than ten per cent silver, and was more than 300 years old.
That meant it qualified as "treasure" under both the prescribed criteria, and is therefore the property of the Crown.
Jim Inglis, archaeologist at Bedford Museum, said the sword mount will now be considered by the treasure valuation committee, made up of auctioneers, museum officials and a representative from the metal detecting world.
The committee will put a value on the piece, and the British Museum will have first claim on the sword mount if it is prepared to meet the price.
If the British Museum passes up the opportunity, Bedford Museum could then make a move for it.
And if no-one wants it, the sword mount could be "disclaimed" and returned to the finder.
The amount of cash the finder gets as a reward depends on the nature of the agreement he has with the landowner, Mr Inglis added.
He said the sword mount – which weighs just 2.11g and measures about 14mms square – would have been worn as a status symbol by a Saxon, or perhaps a Celt who was copying a fashion of the Saxon occupier.
Mr Inglis said: "It's just to show you're posh and that you can afford something like it on your sword belt.
"How much it is worth would depend, but I don't think you would give up your day job."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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