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RAPIER
Unique ID: IOW-5BCA45
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier (1600 BC -1000 BC).
This fragment is the lower part of the blade and tip.
The blade is symmetrical in plan and is "triple arris" shaped on both faces almost throughout its length. However, the tip is lozenge-shaped in cross-section. The sides are parallel for about half its length then taper inwards nearer the base to form a rounded point. It has a uniform thickness throughout its length, except near the point where it tapers slightly. The blade edges are sharp.
This blade, including the transverse break, has a greenish brown patina and is slightly corroded in places. The three breaks forming notches on the edges are very recent and the transverse break may not be old.
Length: 95.2mm; width at break: 19.9mm; thickness at break: 3.6mm. Weight: 27.31g.
Compare with a complete rapier from the seabed off the Isle of Wight: IOW-D28401.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Exactly 1600 BC
Date to: Exactly 1001 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 95.2 mm
Width: 19.9 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 27.31 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 21st February 2016 - Sunday 21st February 2016
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2016-2-87
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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