8th-10th century A.D. A gaming pieceprising a D-shaped lead block and inset fragment of Irish Insular Style gilt-bronze metalwork representing the stylised head of a serpent in profile with gaping mouth and large lentoid eye. Cf. Hammond, B., British Artefacts vol.2 - Middle Saxon & Viking, Witham, 2010, item 1.14-j, for type. 62 grams, 36.5 mm (1 1/2 in.). Found North Yorkshire, UK, 1970's. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman. The inset metalwork is probably a fragment of an ecclesiastical item of late 7th or 8th century date.