6th century AD. A spatha longsword and scabbard fitting; the iron blade lentoid in section with parallel edges and tapering tip, formed by the forge-welding process, with narrow shoulders and long flat-section tang pierced at the upper end; the gilt-bronze guard scaphoid in plan with shallow socket to the underside, applied gold cells containing almandine garnet cloisons cut in a stepped pattern; sheet-silver ribbed grip with collar to the lower end; modern leather-covered scabbard with ancient fittings including two animal-head mounts securing the ends of the strap-slider with garnet cabochon eyes, and sheet-silver lateral bars and chape with ribbed panel and hooked beak to the upper end, fitted to a reproduction leather scabbard. See Menghin, W., Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, for discussion and typology; Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.15.3, for garnets on the lower guard, I.38.1 and III.13.3.1, for blade and tang configuration, I.38.2 and VI.12.1.1, for scabbard fittings; Miche, M., Die Goldgriffspathas der frühen Merowingerzeit, in Deutscher, L. et al., Das Schwert - Symbol und Waffe, Rahden, 2014.1.1 kg, 1.09m (43"). Formerly in the private collection of Mr M. B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1980s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10362-168780. The blade of the sword was made by the forge-welding process whereby different grades of iron are welded together in stripe, then a steel outer sleeve is attached to form the cutting edges. It seems likely then that the piece represents a marriage of ancient parts.