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 iron example was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian and dates from between 0 and 400 AD.

The narrow and pointed spear butt has a rivet at the mouth of the socket to fasten it to the shaft.

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.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-040-021-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 414
Date:	Between 0 and 400 AD
Material:	Pointed
Dimensions:	3.63" L; mouth 0.63" interior D
What:	Ferrule, spear
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Pointed spear ferrule 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. 414.
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back