The British Museum

Silver Gilt Fitting Anglo-Saxon 6007 Hound Head Letter Opener, 18.5cm

6007

A possible part of a seax sheath, the blade-like seax was a popular weapon or tool among the Anglo-Saxons. The animal head has sharp, scrolled ears, blue-glass eyes and its tongue curls out between its fangs to touch the throat. The edge is enhanced with decorative hatching, and the neck bears a runic inscription. The abstract beauty of the slim silver zoomorphic fitting finds a modern expression in a letter opener.

Silver gilt fitting, possibly from a seax sheath, Middle Anglo-Saxon, late 8th century, Westminster Bridge, Thames River, London, England, British Museum 1869,0610.1

A N C I E N T T R E A S U R E S

A N C I E N T T R E A S U R E S