Saxon Sword Pommel Found In Field Sells For £16k

A gold Saxon sword pommel discovered by a metal detectorist in Billesdon has sold at auction for £16,000.

The 7th Century pommel, measuring 4cm by 1.5cm and weighing 20.5g, was found in a field in 2021 by the 81-year-old treasure hunter and later declared as ‘treasure’.

It was auctioned at Noonans Auctioneers in London yesterday and was bought by an on-line bidder, after Leicester Museum declined to buy it.

Pic: Noonans Auctioneers

The finder, who does not want to be named, started detecting in the 1960s and found the pommel while searching a field that “everybody said had nothing in it”.

Following the sale, Nigel Mills, Artefact and Coin expert at Noonans commented: “This was a stunning piece, and we are very pleased with the result.

“Further research has shown that the placename Billesdon means sword hill, so it’s very apt that the pommel, which we think would have belonged to an Anglo-Saxon chief who probably lost it in a battle with a Viking, was found there!”

The proceeds from the sale will be shared between the finder and owner of the field.