Sword

This bronze sword was found at the farm of Brawland at Auchindoir near Clova in Aberdeenshire, perhaps with several other swords. It would have been a prized possession. The sword dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The sword is broken across the hilt, the weakest part of the sword, and prone to damage. One rivet is still in place on the hilt. Two rivet holes are on the shoulders.

The north-east of Scotland may have been a centre of production for swords in the late Bronze Age. 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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-188-356-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 59
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  
• Dimensions: 21.88" L x 1.44" B
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Auchindoir and Kearn, Clova, Brawlands Farm
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze sword from Farm of Brawlands, Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire
  
• 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. 82. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: