Ancient Coins and Antiquities

Late Saxon / Norman, 11th century, bronze staff or sceptre top, 10.5cm x 6cm, central shaft with an expanded rectangular opening for attachment; supporting oval ring with open-mouthed serpents with oval suspension loop at the top. Very fine with a green patina £200-£300

found in Cumbria

Staff tops from the 11th century are not uncommon as detector finds, but they are usually openwork containers rather than a solid ring.