Spear Butt

A spear butt, also known as a ferrule, is a metal ring, tube or cap placed over the end of a shaft to give it extra strength. This bronze example was found at the native hillfort of Traprain Law in East Lothian. It was used sometime between 0 and 400 AD.

The spear butt has a bronze socket ending in an iron tip. Below the mouth of the socket there is a small rivet hole. The iron is very corroded.

Spear butts come in a number of forms. Many resemble doorknobs, others, as in the case here, are more elongated. They protected the end of the spear, and may also have created a sound when the spear was shaken.

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Online ID:	000-100-102-558-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 406
Date:	0 - 400 AD Between 0 and 400 AD
Material:	Bronze; conical iron point with iron pin projecting; pin put inside bronze socket
Dimensions:	3.94" L; mouth 0.56" interior D
What:	Ferrule, spear
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Bronze spear ferrule with a conical iron point, from Traprain Law, 0 - 400 AD
References:	MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, p. 85; vol. 2, no. 185.
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