Bronze hilt guard for a sword

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This bronze hilt guard for a sword was found at the vitrified fort of Castlehill at Dalry in Ayrshire. It was used sometime in the first two centuries AD.

The crown-shaped hilt guard is in good condition.

Gradually swords replaced rapiers, daggers and dirks as the favoured weapon of the elite. With the arrival of iron, tougher and deadlier weapons could be made.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-041-008-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HH 338
• Date: Between 0 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; trilobed; late Celtic
  Hilt guard
  
• Dimensions: 2.50" x 0.81" x 0.81"
  
• What: Hilt guard
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Dalry, Castlehill (Howrat)
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze hilt guard from Castlehill, Ayrshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 80, 91; vol. 2, no. 142. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: