The Anglo-Saxon sword pieces, described as 'some of the finest ever discovered', will be on display at The Collection for three months and will feature several unique sword fittings from the 7th Century.


The Market Rasen sword hilt fittings are gold and inlaid with large garnets and are said to be 'a wonderful example of early English heritage, showing the skill and craftsmanship of the makers, and the importance of Anglo-Saxon England in the medieval world'.


The sword pieces were discovered by someone who has remained anonymous with a metal detector in fields outside Market Rasen in 2002. They were declared as treasure and were purchased by the British Museum with funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.


The sword is thought to have belonged to someone of high-standing in medieval times and that it may have been placed in a grave, although archaeologists at the site did not find any evidence to support this.


Dawn Heywood, Collections Officer said: "It is very exciting to have these pieces on loan in Lincoln, and we are extremely pleased that the sword fittings could return to the county where they were first discovered.


"The rarity of the find together with the intricacy of the design makes this a must-see exhibit for all our visitors".


The sword fittings will be on display in the museum gallery at The Collection until March 1 2009.




* As there are comparable sword fittings from Italy and Scandinavia, the Market Rasen find raises questions about the mobility of people and goods in the early middle ages. The large garnet settings in the pommel are extraordinary, as substantial garnets of this kind are scarce, particularly in the 7th century when supplies from the Indian Subcontinent and Sri Lanka dried up. Their analysis can shed light on the economic background of gem stone provenance and trading networks.


Research on the acquisition will give crucial insights into 7th-century workshop practises, about which little is currently known. The early seventh-century 'cocked-hat' pommel design is typical of a group of high status swords. Some of the fittings from Market Rasen resemble structurally those on the famous sword from Sutton Hoo, though there is no direct connection to the burial at Sutton Hoo. The filigree work is remarkable due to the rarity of fine metalwork of this quality.