File:Anglo-Saxon copper alloy hanging bowl escutcheons (FindID 822806).jpg

English: Treasure case no. 2016 T838: a set of three Anglo-Saxon hanging bowl escutcheons. All three are made of copper-alloy, and have an enamelled, circular and slightly convex body, with a hook cast in one piece with the escutcheon. All three bear a similar design on the front, primarily comprising four trumpet-spiral motis arranged evently around a square-in-circle. Minor variations within this theme are visible across the group, however, and no two are the same.

Escutcheon A: Diam: 40mm; height: 57mm; thickness: 2mm; weight: 29.66g.

This is the most complete escutcheon in the set. In the centre is a square of dark blue-green enamel, within which is set a lozenge millefiori panel. The square measures 3mmx 3mm. This enamelled square is set within a larger square formed by a rim of reserve metal measuring 6mm x 6mm. The field between the rim and the enamelled square is filled with degraded enamel which is now light green in colour. The square rim is set within a circular rim of reserve metal measuring 10mm in diameter. Four large trumpet-spiral motifs extend from each quarter of the circle. A narrow break in the diameter of the circular rim denotes the beginning and end of each trumpet-spiral.

The trumpet-spirals come in two pairs; those opposing one another are of similar design, and the basic division between the pairs is the presence or absence of a pair of enamelled circles.

Regarding the enamelled pair, both sides of each trumpet-spiral flare outwards from the circular rim and then turn inwards at 90 degrees. At this angle is a recessed annulet that would once have contained enamel. The trumpet-spiral then coils inwards to form two circular rims, each of which contain a circle of enamel. The latter has a red dot in the centre, surrounded by repeated blue and white segments. The other pair of trumpet-spirals are of similar design, but lack the enamelled circles. A triangle of reserve metal is located in all four spaces between the trumpet-spirals. The perimeter of the escutcheon has a narrow rim of reserve metal.

All of the recessed areas within the frame contain enamel. The surface of the enamel is degraded and now a light green colour. However, where the surface has flaked off this exposes red enamel.

A zoomorphic hook extends from the top and curves rearwards. The hook has a narrow collar just above the rim of the escutcheon. This collar is convex in the centre and decorated with a row of repeating zig-zags lines. A curved hook of oval section extends upwards and rearwards, and terminates with an abstract animal-head with long and rounded snout.

The reverse of the escutcheon is concave and contains traces of a silver coloured sheen, perhaps representing the solder used to attach it to the bowl.

Escutcheon B: Diam: 40mm; height: 57mm; thickness: 2mm; weight: 28.63g.

Details mainly as Escutcheon A, but all trumpet-sprials contain only one enamelled circle. Opposing pairs each have the circle on the opposite side (one on the left, one on the right). The central square of enamel is missing. This does, however, reveal keying marks on the surface. The escutcheon is broken across the centre. The breaks are worn and patinated.

Escutcheon C: Diam: 40mm; height: 41mm; thickness: 2mm; weight: 17.07g.

Details mainly as Escutcheon A. The central square of enamel is missing. This does, however, reveal keying marks on the surface. The escutcheon is broken at the top but most of the hook survives.