Copper alloy, 38.11 grams, 71.64 mm. Circa. 1066 A.D. A supremely rare item from the time of the Norman conquest by William the Conqueror. A unique item, the body of which seems to have been carved from a pyramidal-shaped cast block with a V-shaped strap attachment 'loop' extending from the apex, in the form of two extended conjoined snake heads. The open-work body is decorated with globular knobs along the edges and larger globules extending from the corners. The swivel section has a long spigot with a larger similar elongated strap attachment made up of two conjoined dogs with arched backs facing each other, joined at the hind legs and again under the chin. Identified by the English museum Services as Norman, i.e.. Between 1066 and the early 12th Century by Dr. Kevin Leahey of Scunthorpe Museum, and recorded with The Portable Antiquities Scheme. In perfect working order with a superb even silky green patination. Found on a Norman 'skirmish' site at Fen Drayton, Huntingdonshire.

In support of his claim to the English crown, William invaded England in 1066, leading an army of Normans to victory over the Anglo-Saxon forces of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, and suppressed subsequent English revolts, one of which was probably at Fen Drayton, in what has become known as the Norman Conquest. His reign brought Norman culture to England, which had an enormous impact on the subsequent course of England in the Middle Ages. In addition to political changes, his reign also saw changes to English law, a programme of building and fortification, changes in the English language and the introduction of continental European feudalism into England.

Dr Kevin Leahy, Finds Advisor, Metals and Metalworking at Scunthorpe Museum writes: "A very nice piece. While I have not seen anything quite like it before, stylistically it clearly belongs in the same group as the so called 'dog swivels'. These bear Romanesque decoration and date to the later 11th or 12th century. Other examples exist which involve the use of open-work…this is a very interesting find."

Kurt Adams (Gloucestershire & Avon FLO) made the following comments on another Romanesque Swivel in the 2003/4 Treasure Report: "It is possible that this object belongs to a series of large and elaborate swivels with Romanesque decoration which date them to the twelfth century. It is thought that they may have had a variety of uses, including perhaps on dog leads or harnesses, where the zoomorphic decoration may be particularly appropriate. Artefacts that can be securely dated to the twelfth century are surprisingly rare, but why this should be is still a puzzle."