5th-6th century AD. A silver-gilt 'eagle' buckle and plate comprising: a domed D-shaped loop with stepped outer edge and running scrolls, each finial a profile eagle head with inset garnet(?) cabochon eyes; the tongue D-shaped in section with ribbed butt and beast-head finials, garnet(?) cabochon eyes; the hinged plate square with central garnet (replaced), running scrolls to the frame and inset garnet(?) cabochon to each corner; two opposed profile bird-heads to the trailing edge, each with an inset garnet(?) cabochon eye; six fixing holes. Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.8.11.88 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Ex N. Alexander collection, Brighton, UK, circa 1980. 'Eagle' buckles are typical of the period of Gothic dominance of the Black Sea region from the 3rd century onwards. Political control by the Goths was broken after their disastrous defeat by the Huns in the 5th century, but the area surrounding Crimea remained culturally distinct for centuries afterwards.