MEROVINGIAN IRON LONGSWORD WITH CLOISONNÉ GUARD, AMBER POMMEL AND JADE SCABBARD ATTACHMENT. Ca. AD 475 - 525. An iron longsword with a broad, double-edged blade tapering gradually to a sharp point. The straight cross-guard is decorated with cloisonné inlays of red garnet set within gold cells, forming a pattern of repeating trefoil motifs. A tapering short tang extends from the base and is accompanied by an amber pommel and an additional small white bead. A rectangular jade scabbard attachment is inset into the blade near the hilt. For similar see: P. Perin, Royal Insigna, Chap. 6 Childeric, fig.7, 15, 16; J. J. Aillagon, Roma e i Barbari, La nascita di un nuovo mondo, Palazzo Grassi, Roman, Il Sito di Pannonhalma, p. 260. Size: 890mm x 105mm; Weight: 855g Provenance: Private London collection, acquired on the European art market pre 2000. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.