Celtic Iron Age - Continental La Tène II Sword and a Scabbard > Lot No. 825

Description:
Circa 3rd - 2nd century BC. Continental La Tène II Culture. The sword with broad (50 mm) parallel-edged blade showing some evidence of 'piling' (or early pattern-welding) with central rib, slightly concave profile to cutting edges and with round tip; the diamond-section tang fitted with arched quillon and bronze 'trident' pommel and washer rivetted at tip of tang; the scabbard formed in thin plates, brazed along the long edges; the front showing two round applied decorative bosses towards the tip; the reverse fitted with a belt mount loop, secured with a brazed wire and rivets; the lower portion with a beaded panel.

Measurements:
Sword 715 grams; 950 mm long. Scabbard 520 grams; 880 mm long.

Condition:
The sword and fittings excellent with some restoration to blade; the scabbard with minor loss at throat, otherwise in fine state of preservation; both sword and scabbard professionally conserved and stable. Very rare.

References:
See Niko Silvester, From Rapier to Langsax for general information.

Comments notes:
The long blades of the Continental La Tène swords are attributed to their being a weapon used from horseback or from chariots, where the blade length would be advantageous. The blunt, rounded tips also indicate use as a 'slashing' weapon, rather than for thrusting. The La Tène swords may also be considered to be the ancestor of those used by the later medieval knights.

Low estimate: £2,000
High estimate: £3,000

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £1,800