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Iron sword with organic scabbard remains

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posted on 2021-10-27, 15:33 authored by Helena HamerowHelena Hamerow
Iron sword found with point already broken (length 33 inches), Present length 82.5cm, including tang length 12cm. Width of blade in sheath c. 5cm. In poor condition: lower part of blade very deteriorated and flaked, most of scabbard remains missing. Tang also very fragile and flaked. Scabbard remains in form of wood with the usual vertical grain visible on upper part of blade in patches. One side shows traces of a smooth skin (leather?) below the wood and against the sword blade itself fibrous impressions as of wool or hair. The impressions of the upper and lower guard very clear; as horizontal impressions with grain of wood. Both about 1cm wide. Tang has slight knob at top.X-ray no. 10. Pattern welded blade, apparently with 3 composite rods in double assembly, in standard pattern.X-ray could not be located in 2006-7. – D.H.

History

Grave ID

Sarre Grave 54

Object ID

KAS830

Catalogue Number

KAS 830

Material

iron, organic (Sonia Hawkes Material Notes; iron, leather, skin, wood, wool, hair) (Antiquarian Material; N/A)

Complete Keyword List (Including Alternatives)

sword scabbard (Sonia Hawkes Keyword; sword scabbard) (Antiquarian Keyword; sword)

Status

extant

Location

Maidstone Museum

Collection

Kent Archaeological Society

Category ID

sword

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    The Novum Inventorium Sepulchrale

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