Sword

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This bronze sword was found at Cauldhame in Angus. It was a prestigious possession, used sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The leaf-shaped sword has two rivet holds in each wing and two in the hilt plate to secure a handle which has not survived. The hilt is damaged at the end.

Technological advances in bronze casting in the late Bronze Age resulted in new and better weapons. Long slashing swords became popular in the early 1st millennium BC. They could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-391-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 8
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; hilt imperfect; two rivet holes in each wing and two in hilt plate
  
• Dimensions: 21.50" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Brechin, Cauldhame
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze leaf-shaped sword, from Cauldhame, Angus
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. 82. 
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