Scabbard chape

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A scabbard chape was placed at the end of the scabbard to protect the sword tip. This bronze example was found at Houndslow at Westruther in Berwickshire. It was used in the 1st century BC.

The U-shaped chape is decorated with ornamental scrolls in high relief. It is in very good condition, without any signs of wear.

Warfare, or the threat of it, offered ideal opportunity for showing off status, especially through weaponry.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-173-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 80
• Date: Between 100 BC and 0
  
• Material: Ornamental scrolls
  
• Dimensions: 2.50" L x 1.81" W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Lady John Scott Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Westruther, Houndslow
  
• Event:
• Description: Scabbard chape with ornamental scrolls, from Houndslow, Westruther, Berwickshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 78-9; vol. 2, no. 138. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: