Rapier Blade

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This bronze rapier blade is one of around a dozen found in a hoard at Drumcoltran in Kirkcudbrightshire. It dates from between 1500 and 1150 BC.

The rapier blade has rounded wings. The base has two notches for the rivets which attached it to the hilt.

Warriors had a major social role in their society and displayed their status through fancy weapons. Some rapiers may only ever have been intended for use as prestige or ceremonial weapons rather than for actual combat.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-380-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DQ 320
• Date: Between 1500 and 1150 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Bronze
  Bronze; rounded wings; base showing two notches for rivets
  Rapier, blade
  Rapier, blade
  
• Dimensions: 14.00" L
  18.20" L
  20.00" L
  
• What: Rapier, blade
  Rapier, blade
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kirkgunzeon, Drumcoltran
  Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kirkgunzeon, Drumcoltran
  Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kirkgunzeon, Drumcoltran
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze rapier blade with rounded wings, from Drumcoltran, Kirkcudbrightshire
  Bronze rapier blade from Drumcoltran
  Bronze rapier blade from Drumcoltran
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Middle Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 97 (1963-1964). 
• Translations:
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