Silver handpin

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This silver handpin with red enamel ornament is one of two similar ones found at Norrie's Law near Largo in Fife in a large hoard of silver jewellery and hacksilver. The hoard was buried between 600 and 700. This picture shows the reverse of the handpin.

The back of the handpin is plain, except for an incised Pictish symbol, often termed a 'Z-rod', on the pinhead.

Handpins were used as dress fasteners, although some examples, as this pin, were clearly high class and expensive jewellery. Handpins of this type are found in both Scotland and Ireland. The use of a Pictish symbol suggests a Scottish origin for this one.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-220-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 30
• Date: Between 600 and 700
  
• Material: Silver; with enamelled head
  Pin
  
• Dimensions: 6.25" L
  
• What: Pin
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Largo, Norrie's Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver pin with enamelled head, from Norrie's Law
  
• References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed.). 'The work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museum Publications Ltd, 1989, pp 26-7. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: