Sword

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This bronze sword was found near Schivas House at Methlick in Aberdeenshire. The form of the sword has been influenced by Continental sword types. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The leaf-shaped blade has a rivet hole in each wing and three in the hilt plate for securing a handle. The pommel is doubly hooked at the end.

Long slashing swords became popular in the early 1st millennium BC. They could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons. Some are found in watery places, probably deposited there as offerings to the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-401-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 24
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; rivet hole in each wing and three in hilt plate; pommel doubly hooked
  
• Dimensions: 18.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Methlick, Schivas House
  
• Event:
• Description: Hallstatt influenced bronze leaf-shaped sword, from near Schivas House, Methlick, Aberdeenshire
  
• 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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