Anglo-Saxo artefact discovered near Langham in Norfolk

The gilded silver object, which dates back to the late eighth or early ninth century, was found by a metal detectorist near Langham.

It is tiny at just over half an inch wide and although similar items have been discovered before, experts are still unsure of their purpose.

Its function is not known - but it was crafted by somebody very skilled (Image: Andrew Williams / Norfolk County Council)

Dr Helen Geake, historian and Norfolk's finds liaison officer, told the BBC: "It's a mysterious object and you can't say what kind of thing it's off at all.

"But it was made by someone with a real eye for loveliness.

READ MORE: King Henry VII groat and Roman items among finds from Norfolk treasure hunters

"On the sides is a spiral pattern recognisable from the Book of Kells or Lindisfarne Gospel.

"It has got a backwards-looking animal - possibly a horse - that fills the space nicely and I love its colour."

Dr Helen Geake, historian and Norfolk's finds liaison officer (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk)

She explained that the object's creator would have mixed Spanish mercury with powdered gold to accentuate the design. 

Dr Geake believes it could have come from the end of a staff, the rest of which would have decayed long ago.

A coroner has declared the item a treasure and Norwich Castle Museum has expressed a desire to obtain it.