Lot 904
A RARE EARLY MEDIEVAL 'PRESSBLECH' DIE.
An early medieval 'field find' possibly an Anglo Saxon copper alloy 'Pressblech' die 24 x 22 mm (maximum dimensions) Found in Somerset, Find ID 105472.
'Presblech' dies of this type are believed to have been used for making foil mounts. The interlaced knotwork design is in shallow relief, a thin sheet of gold, silver or copper would have been placed over the die, protected with a leather pad an impression will have been produced by a hammer-blow. Thin decorative plaques of this type have been found on Anglo-Saxon sleeve clasps, brooches and helmets and similar items. See illustration.
