A 6th – 7th century silver-gilt sword pommel cap found in Scalford has gone on display at Melton Carnegie Museum following acquisition by Leicestershire County Council Museums. This high-status object is similar stylistically to the pommels in the Staffordshire Hoard. Analysis of a green substance found on the surface has confirmed this sword handle component was decorated with enamel, a very rare feature. A similar material was identified on the Staffs examples but the analysis of this was inconclusive so the Scalford results help to shed light on these objects too. The Scalford pommel was acquired via the Treasure process and thanks to generous contributions from the ACE/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Friends of Leicester and Leicestershire Museums and Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society.
To find out more visit www.meltonmuseum.org