Record ID: BERK-DE8683 - BRONZE AGE sword

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Sword

Unique ID: BERK-DE8683

Object type certainty: Certain

A resized image of Bronze Age sword handle fragment

A middle-late Bronze Age copper alloy fragment of a sword handle (1250-800 BC). The fragment forms part of the flared end of the handle. The points of the flared terminals are broken and missing. The fragment has two perforations aligned along the midline of the handle. The one at the butt of the handle is larger (diameter: 3.87mm) than the one in the handle grip section (diameter: 2.38mm). There is also a groove on the front and rear surface that extends up the midline of the handle then expands to the width of the butt. This groove creates a waisted, elongated hourglass cross-section. The breaks have the same pale green patina as the rest of the surface, suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity.

It is similar to the handle from a late Bronze Age sword found in Ireland (Allen, Britton & Coghlan 1970: 228)

Dimensions: length 44.04mm; width 20.38mm; thickness 4.80mm; weight 16.79g

Reference: Allen, I.M., Britton, D., Coghlan, H.H.1970. Metallurgical Reports on British and Irish Bronze Age Implements and Weapons in the Pitt Rivers Museum. Oxford University Press

This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.

Subsequent actions

Current location of find: Returned to finder.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Period from: BRONZE AGE [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Period to: BRONZE AGE [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: 1250 BC
Date to: 800 BC

Dimensions and weight

Length: 44.04 mm
Width: 20.38 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 16.79 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Fragment [scope notes | view all attributed records]

Spatial data

Region: South West
County: Wiltshire
District: Salisbury
To be known as: Pewsey

Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]
General landuse: Cultivated land [scope notes]
Specific landuse: Operations to a depth greater than 0.25m [scope notes]

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 1st January 1980 - Monday 1st January 1990

Personal details

Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Ms Paula Levick - [ view all attributed records]
Identified by: Mrs Kate Sumnall - [view all attributed records]

Other reference numbers

References cited

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