I dug up £18,000 rare Saxon treasure from one 'empty' field

The rare artefact was unearthed in Billesdon (Image: SWNS) This Saxon sword pommel found in a field by a determined detectorist is tipped to fetch up to £18,000 at auction today. The 7th century item was unearthed in Billesdon, Leics – by a woman who had been warned by fellow detectorists that there was nothing to be found there. The 1.

5in by 0.5in gold end of a sword’s hilt is decorated with two dragons and a snake-like pattern. It was declared to be treasure and will be sold after Leicester Museum chiefs declined to buy it.

Nigel Mills, artefact expert at London auction house Noonans, said: “The sword pommel is a beautiful example of fine Anglo-Saxon gold measuring 4cm by 1.5cm and weighing 20.5g (0.

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