6th century AD. A matched pair of silver-gilt sword pyramids, each with open underside and crossbar, four convergent faces each with chip-carved triangular design, inset garnet cloison to the apex. Cf. Menghin, W. Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, p.150. 25.2 grams total, 20mm each (3/4"). From the collection of an Essex gentleman; acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. [2]