10th century AD. A bronze chape for a sword scabbard, heater-shaped with scooped upper edge and bear-head finial, low-relief Jellinge style tendril ornament. Cf. Paulsen, P., Schwertortb?nder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, items 42 and 43. 38.2 grams, 76mm (3"). From the family collection of a UK gentleman, by descent in the early 1970s; previously acquired before 1960. [No Reserve] Fine condition.