Spear butt

A spear butt, also known as a ferrule, is a metal fitting placed over the end of a wooden shaft to protect it. This bronze example was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. It dates from between 0 and 400 AD.

The butt would protect and give weight to the end of a spear shaft. It has a rivet or a repair at the bottom. A fragment of wood is preserved within the butt.

The large defended hillfort at Traprain Law was an important site in Iron Age Scotland. A large number of Roman and native objects have been found from there, showing that the native population prospered in its contacts with the Romans.

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Online ID:	000-100-040-012-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GVM 407
Date:	Between 0 and 400 AD
Material:	Bronze; pear-shaped; rivet in bottom; fragment of wooden shaft within
Dimensions:	1.00" L x 1.13" D at bulge x 0.66" D at mouth of socket
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Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Pear-shaped bronze spear butt with a fragment of wooden shaft within, from Traprain Law
References:	Burley, Elizabeth. Metal-work from Traprain Law. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 89 (1955-1956), 118-226, no. 407.
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