Rapier blade

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Rapiers were long, stabbing weapons which appeared in the second half of the 2nd millennium. This bronze rapier blade was found at Fairholm in Dumfriesshire. It dates from between 1500 to 1150 BC.

The blade has a central ridge and trapazoidal-shaped hilt with two rivet holes. The tip is missing.

Warriors had a major social role in their society and displayed their status through fancy weapons. Some rapiers may only ever have been intended for use as prestige or ceremonial weapons rather than for actual combat.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-370-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DJ 17
• Date: Between 1500 and 1150 BC
  Middle Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; rapier-shaped; two rivet holes; imperfect at point
  
• Dimensions: 10.75" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Lockerbie, Fairholm
  
• Event:
• Description: Middle Bronze Age rapier blade from Fairholm, Dumfriesshire
  
• References:
  • Coles, J.M. Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland, 97 (1963-64), pp 82-156, esp. 111-4, 145. 
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