June 2024 – The metal detecting community is celebrating a remarkable find that showcases the potential for uncovering priceless historical artifacts. An 81-year-old detectorist’s persistence and skill have paid off in spectacular fashion, with her discovery of a 7th Century Saxon gold sword pommel selling for an impressive £16,000 at auction.
This inspiring story began in a field in Billesdon, Leicestershire, in 2021. The detectorist, who has been pursuing the hobby for over 60 years, received a signal in an area that “everybody said had nothing in it” – a reminder to all detectorists to never underestimate any location. Her experience and determination led her to dig seven inches deep, unearthing a treasure that had lain hidden for over 1,300 years.
The pommel itself is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Saxon era, measuring 4cm by 1.5cm and weighing 20.5g. Its intricate design features beaded wire filigree ornamentation, with one side depicting two dragons or beasts facing each other, and the other side showing an interlaced snake-like pattern. Nigel Mills, an expert from Noonans Mayfair auction house, noted that such imagery would have been believed to imbue the sword with mystical power.
This find draws comparisons to other significant Anglo-Saxon discoveries, including the Staffordshire hoard and items from the Sutton Hoo ship burial. For detectorists, such connections to major archaeological finds underscore the importance of their hobby in contributing to our understanding of history.
The detectorist’s journey is as fascinating as her find. Having started in the 1960s when the hobby was less understood, she initially told curious onlookers she was searching for bombs. Her decades of dedication have yielded numerous medieval and Roman coins, but this Saxon pommel stands out as a career-defining discovery.
The auction result, falling within the expected range of £15,000 to £18,000, demonstrates the potential financial rewards of metal detecting. However, the detectorist’s decision to share the proceeds with the landowner reflects the ethical practices that are crucial to the hobby’s sustainability and public perception.
This discovery also highlights the importance of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the treasure process. Although initially declared treasure, it was eventually disclaimed after Leicester Museum declined to purchase it, allowing it to be sold at auction. This process ensures that significant finds are properly recorded and given the opportunity to enter public collections.
For detectorists everywhere, this story serves as an inspiration to keep searching, even in seemingly unpromising locations. It’s a reminder that with patience, skill, and a bit of luck, any sweep of the detector could unearth a piece of history that connects us directly to our ancient past.
