Spear Butt

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-558-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Ferrule, spear
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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