Dagger or halberd blade

Bronze Age halberds were dagger-like objects mounted at right angles to the haft. This bronze blade for a dagger or a halberd was found at Moss-side near Crossraguel Abbey in Ayrshire. It dates from between 2300 and 2000 BC.

The broad blade has three rivet holes, two of which still preserve the rivets, for attaching the blade to a haft. The blade is damaged.

Early Bronze Age daggers and spears could have been used both in warfare and for hunting. Halberds, however, were the first metal objects specifically designed to be weapons.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-188-273-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.DJ 3
Date:	Between 2300 and 2000 BC
Material:	Bronze
Dimensions:	14.75" L
What:	Dagger, blade / halberd
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Ayrshire, Crossraguel Abbey, Moss-side
Event:
Description:	Bronze halberd from Moss-side, near Crossraguel Abbey, Ayrshire
References:	Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 35-40, 87.
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