File:Bronze age dagger (FindID 601819-460428).jpg

English: Two fragments of a cast dirk or rapier dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c.1500/1400-1100 cal. BC).

Descriptive catalogue

Copper alloy dagger or rapier fragment. Sub-triangular shaped fragment; sides taper to a point, lozenge in section, with a central rib on both faces. The implement has been broken in antiquity; the entire object is covered with a dark green patina, with mounds and pits of corrosion.

Weight: 14.6 g; Dimensions: Max Length: 45 mm, Max Width: 18 mm, Max Thickness: 5 mm.

Copper alloy dirk or rapier fragment. Sub-lozenge shaped fragment, lozenge in section, with a wide butt with a rounded point, which has an indentation on either side, creating a notched effect. There is a central rib on both faces. The implement has been broken in antiquity and the entire object is very worn and is covered with a dark green patina and pitted with corrosion.

Weight: 35.4 g; Dimensions: Max Length: 76 mm, Max Width: 35 mm, Max Thickness: 5 mm

Discussion

The fragments are probably from the same object as the broken edges fit together, as does the central rib, forming one complete, small dirk or rapier. Examination of the edges and breaks suggests that the blade was broken in antiquity. Although one fragment appears more worn then the other; this is likely due to taphonomic factors. The breakage of blades prior to deposition is a common feature of Middle and Late Bronze Age metalwork and it may be assumed that these fragments were broken prior to deposition.

The dirk or rapier from which the fragments derive is difficult to parallel. The closest comparable object is from Woodbridge, Suffolk (Burgess and Gerloff 1981, 39), which is part of their Group II (ibid., 3). Group II blades are characterised by a central ridge, which produces a flattened lozenge cross-section (ibid., 19), with plain or bevelled edges and rarely featuring decoration.

Conclusion

As the two fragments (Nos. 1-2) are likely part of one object which was broken in antiquity, probably prior to deposition, they represent a single find of two or more copper alloy finds and thus qualify as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) (Designation Order 2002).

References

Burgess, C. B. & Gerloff, S. 1981. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland. Prähistorische Bronzefunde IX, Band 7. Munich: C. H. Bec'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung.

Authors

Caroline Chestnutt, Volunteer for the British Museum

Neil Wilkin, Curator for the European Bronze Age, British Museum