Viking Silver
Though this artefact might not be complete, it is stunning nonetheless. This is a fragment of a silver arm-ring or bracelet that was deliberately cut down into smaller pieces. It is decorated with a stamped design featuring lozenges, within which are tiny pellets. This 9th-10th century object must have been a prized possession a thousand years ago! It was probably cut down into smaller pieces to be used as bullion. It was found alongside a small, roughly shaped silver disc that was created by melting down a silver object (or objects).
Since silver rarely corrodes, sturdy objects like this tend to survive quite well without much need for significant conservation interventions. The fragment of bracelet and disc were gently cleaned with swabs moistened with solvents, to remove any soil deposits remaining from when they were discovered a few years ago.
