Find Spot record MCC8760 - Bronze Age sword, Mersea Flats, East Mersea

Summary

A Late Bronze Age sword was found on the foreshore.

Location

Grid reference TM 0514 1349 (point)
Map sheet TM01SE
Civil Parish EAST MERSEA, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

A Late Bronze Age sword was found on the foreshore. It was taken to Colchester Museum for identification and passed to the Archaeology Section for study. The sword is of the Ewart Park type. The tang is trumpet-shaped, the grip has slight flanges and two rivets. Between the rivets there appears to be a slot. This is only visible on one face and without cleaning and conservation it is not possible to say whether or not the slot actually pierces the grip, although this is likely. The shoulders are straight with two rivets and form a characteristic diamond shape with the straight 'riccassi' (the area below the shoulder). There are marked 'ricasso' notches. The blade edges are bevelled and the broad midrib is defined by slight beading characteristic of Gundlingen swords. A date in the 7th to 6th century BC is therefore likely. <1>-<4>

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> DESC TEXT: Brown, NR in Priddy, DA. 1985. Work of Essex County Council Archaeology Section, 1983-84. Vol 16, forthcoming.
  • <2> Graphic material: unknown. 1984. SMR.
  • <3> Photograph: unknown. 1984. TM01-161.
  • <4> Artifact: unknown. unknown. ARTEFACT Owner.

Finds (1)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Apr 12 2022 5:12PM

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