Royal Selangor The British Museum Collection Pewter Hound Head Letter Opener

Thought to be a fitting from a seax or dagger scabbard, the silver gilt object’s exquisite animal head translates as a pleasantly weighted letter opener. Pointed ears, enormous fangs between which its tongue curls out to touch its throat, hatching and diagonal mouldings are all beautifully modelled.
The late 8th century artefact, found in London, carries a runic inscription which to date has defied translation.

Size: 18.5cm length