Sword

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This bronze sword was found at Glenluce Sands in Wigtownshire. It would have been a prized possession. The sword dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The leaf-shaped blade is complete but badly corroded on the blade. Four of the rivets on the shoulders and one on the hilt are not perforated, suggesting that the sword is unfinished or was never used.

Technological advances in bronze casting in the late Bronze Age resulted in new and better weapons. Long slashing swords became popular in the early 1st millennium BC. They could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-188-353-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 56
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  
• Dimensions: 22.38" L x 1.63" W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Glenluce Sands
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze sword from Glenluce Sands, Wigtownshire
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. 86. 
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