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.
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