Early Medieval gold and garnet sword button

This beautiful and intricate sword-button from Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire was once attached to an Anglo-Saxon sword-scabbard dating to the first half of the 7th century. It is made of gold and cloisonné garnets and reveals an extremely high level of craftsmanship. The artistic style of the button is typical and comparable to contemporary 7th century Anglo-Saxon objects, such as the Ixworth Cross and the Milton brooch. Although small and incomplete, it serves as a particularly complex example of fine gold and garnet working, and is of higher quality than comparable pieces previously found in the UK. Conservation work will be carried out and perhaps reveal its intricate construction.