Sword

This bronze sword was found in the river Tay near Perth in Perthshire. It is either an import from the Continent or a native copy of one. The sword dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The leaf-shaped sword has two rivet holes in each wing and two in the hilt plate to secure a handle which has not survived. The hilt is doubly hooked at the end.

Long slashing swords became popular in the early 1st millennium BC. They could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons. Some are found in watery places, probably deposited there as offerings to the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-390-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 5
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; two rivet holes in each wing and two in hilt plate, which is doubly hooked
  
• Dimensions: 29.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Perth, River Tay
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze leaf-shaped sword from the River Tay, near Perth
  
• 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. 85. 
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