English: A complete cast copper alloy zoomorphic D shaped buckle frame, of Early Medieval dating (1000 to 1100 AD).

The frame is an irregular oval (D shape) in plan, with the apex of the frame being heavily swollen and tapering to the junction with the axis bar. The axis bas is offset from the plan of the frame. The buckle plate and the pin are missing. From the swollen mid point, the sides taper in both width and thickness to a slight axis bar. Both ends of the buckle frame are decorated with a debased animal (dog or dolphin) head which grip the axis bar between their jaws. The axis bar is square in cross section, thinning at the central point. This is likely to correspon with the edges of the strap plate which would have folded around the axis bar, adding extra security and stability. The axis bar is extremely small (diameter 1.70mm, width 6.6mm), this suggests that the buckle may have been more decorative than functional.

The edges of the frame are decorated with a combination of both cast and incised (chip carved) elements. The two animal heads are similar in style and shape with cast pellet like ears, deeply incised ovals for eyes and diagonal incised line for mouth. The snout and nostril grip the axis bar. The design is best illustrated on the front face, although it is echoed on the rear face of the frame. The design on the rear face is more worn than that on the front, and the elements only partially survive.

The buckle is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Minor abrasion, caused by movement in the ploughsoil has resulted in a loss of some of the surface detail.

It measures 16.59mm in length, 18.84mm wide and 5.87mm thick. It weighs 4.9 grams.

Several similar buckles have been recorded on the PAS database including: HESH-913D85, <a href="../../../database/artefacts/record/id/243563">YORYM-DEE071</a>, <a href="../../../database/artefacts/record/id/230786">YORYM-023A40</a>, and KENT-A88102. They have all been attributed to the Late Anglo-Saxon period (1000-1100 AD).