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

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 rectangular in cross section, thinning at the central point. This is likely to correspond 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 3.0 mm, width 7.8 mm), 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, although the features are heavily worn. 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. Both sides of the buckle are heavily worn, so the zoomorphic features are indistinct.

The buckle is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of the majority of the surface detail.

It measures 19.3 mm in length, 20.8 mm wide and 6.0 mm thick. It weighs 5.4 grams.

Several similar buckles have been recorded on the PAS database including: LVPL-AAE215, HESH-913D85, YORYM-DEE071, YORYM-023A40, and KENT-A88102. They have all been attributed to the Late Anglo-Saxon period (AD 1000 - AD 1100).