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Description: | This copper alloy casting is a decorative and functional pommel for a very small sword or dagger. In general shape it is not unlike sixth to seventh century pommels of the kind which are often inset with garnets, i.e. it is of the 'cocked hat' shape. This, however, is a complex single casting. Seen from above it is a very elongated oval, with rounded ends each of which has a circular dimple suggestive of a rivet-hole, but not passing through the metal. These might just conceivably be holes for stone or glass settings (but probably not). The outline of the oval, in the middle of the sides, is notched repeatedly, giving a pie-crust effect. The central hole is rectangular with squared corners, and is 6mm long (in the long axis of the pommel) by 3mm wide. This was to receive the tip of the tang from the blade, which would then be fastened over the pommel with a finial. Seen from either side, the pommel's 'cocked hat' form is outlined in engraved lines, and with deeper curving hollows or dimples either side of a central swelling or ridge. The greatest complexity of its casting is shown by an inspection of the underside, which is recessed towards the central hole: but the depth of the hole, which is 6mm, passes through a hollow frame in the casting, for the pommel is not solid cast but has a hidden internal void, to which the only aperture, of the size of a pinhole, is visible within the wall of the central rectangular hole itself. The inner surface of the pommel is therefore only a skin concealing and defining this invisible void. This accounts for the comparative lightness of the object, which looks as if it should be slightly heavier. It is 44mm long, 13mm wide and 10mm high, and weighs 10.39g. I have not found mediaeval parallels for this shape, and therefore consider that it may represent a rare and little-known type of dagger pommel perhaps of Middle Saxon date, since its general form corresponds to that of the cloisonne pommels.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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