Byzantine Miltary Baldric Buckle

An early Byzantine buckle from a baldric (a type of belt that was worn over one shoulder and continued to the opposite hip, normally for use with a sword or other piece of equipment). This example features the intact hinges at the rear end that would have attached it to a short metal plate, as well as the intact lugs on the underside that would have attached it to the leather. The upper surface is decorated.