Description

The so-called Thekenbeschlägen are elaborately decorated fittings for knife cases. Theke in Greek means “container“. Behind the openwork fitting there is a thin sheet of metal that was attached to the actual leather case. If the insert plate was made from a different metal alloy, an impressive play of colors was created, alternating with the breakthrough work of the fitting.

The valuable knife cases were probably worn visibly on the belt as prestige objects. The counter fittings were particularly popular in Upper Germany in the late 2nd and 3rd centuries.