The artefact, a gold and garnet sword scabbard button dating from around AD 600 to 650, was found on September 4 last year on arable land near Fakenham.

It has now been formally ruled treasure by area coroner Johanna Thompson at a recent inquest after evidence was provided to Norfolk Coroner's Court by finds liaison officer Helen Geake.

The sword fitting was found by a man using a metal detector (Image: Mark Bullimore)

The object is a large circular gold mount, believed to be a decorative button from an Anglo-Saxon sword scabbard. It features a flat back plate and would have attached to the scabbard via a loop, with holes on the reverse indicating how it was fixed in place.

The front of the piece is decorated with garnet inlay set into an intricate herringbone pattern, the first recorded example of this specific design on a scabbard button.

Dr Geake told the court that while there are two broadly comparable examples - one held at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and another at Norwich Castle Museum - both are smaller and differ in design.

She said the Fakenham find was “distinct and highly significant” in both its scale and decoration.

The inquest heard that the item was discovered partially embedded in soil. Because of the risk of dislodging the delicate garnet inlay, the surrounding soil was not fully removed at the scene.

The hearing was told the artefact is damaged, having been crushed and bent, and shows roughened surfaces consistent with heat exposure. But despite this, key decorative features remain intact.

Experts noted parallels with high-status Anglo-Saxon metalwork, including scabbard fittings from Sutton Hoo and objects from the Staffordshire Hoard, both of which are associated with elite warrior burials and early medieval craftsmanship.

Area coroner Johanna Thompson (Image: The Coroners' Society)

Delivering her conclusion, Ms Thompson said: “ It has been confirmed that the object is more than 300 years old and contains well over 10 per cent precious metal. I am therefore satisfied this meets the criteria for treasure under the Treasure Act 1996."

The sword fitting will now proceed through the Treasure Act process, which may include independent valuation and potential acquisition by a museum.

Experts say the find contributes to growing evidence of high-status early medieval activity in Norfolk and provides further insight into the craftsmanship and culture of the Anglo-Saxon period.

© Eastern Daily Press