Spear butt

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A spear butt, also known as a ferrule, is a metal ring, tube or cap placed over the end of a shaft to give it extra strength. This bronze example was found near Edinburgh. It was used sometime between 1150 and 750 BC.

The conical spear butt is incomplete on one side.

Technological advances in bronze casting in the late Bronze Age resulted in new and better weapons.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-428-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DO 5
• Date: Between 1150 and 750 BC
  Late Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; conical
  Ferrule
  
• Dimensions: 3.00" L
  
• What: Ferrule
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Late Bronze Age conical ferrule, from near Edinburgh
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), 16-134, esp. p 86. 
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