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Copper-alloy pommel of the seax

online resource
posted on 2021-10-27, 19:21 authored by Helena HamerowHelena Hamerow
Bronze pommel of a scramaseax (M 6305), max. width 3.9 cm, ht. 2.7 Upturned boat-shaped; case, with diagonally notched ridges along 'keel' and 'gunwales', and facing outwards and downwards at stem and stern are rudimentary mouldings probably meant for a ship's bird or animal head figure-heads. Decorated by ring-and-dot punch-marks in rows on either side; on one side (drawn) a row of single ring and dot, between keep and gunwhale, with pairs flanking this, and in angles behind heads a single large double ring-and-dot. On this side also two rivet holes below gunwales, one with bronze rivet in situ and projecting into interior, to help secure handle of seax to pommel. On other side a single row of three ring-and-dot punches, that near keel double-ring size. This side heavily encrusted with rust stains, but there does appear to be one bronze rivet projecting on this side, opposite the survivor on the other. Remains of iron tang imbedded inside of pommel, roughly rectangular.

History

Grave ID

Sibertswold Downs Grave 177

Object ID

M6532

Catalogue Number

M 6532

Material

copper alloy (Sonia Hawkes Material Notes; bronze) (Antiquarian Material; brass)

Complete Keyword List (Including Alternatives)

seax pommel (Sonia Hawkes Keyword; scramscax pommel) (Antiquarian Keyword; pommel)

Status

extant

Location

National Museums Liverpool

Collection

Mayer Collection

Original Collection

Faussett

Category ID

knife

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    The Novum Inventorium Sepulchrale

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