Bronze Age Gold from Wales

25-27. Sword blade - Ewart Park Type (3 conjoining fragments) Combined surviving length 354.0mm Combined weight 374.7g

Blade from a leaf-shaped sword. The blade section is uniform in shape throughout having a gently rounded mid-section and gently concave outer section, coming to slightly bevelled edges. This is typical of Ewart Park swords, although it is not possible from the blade shape to identify it to Step type.

Sword blade tip with bevelled edges (3mm wide), expanding in plan with convex curve to maximum width at break. The blade has a gently rounded mid-section and gently concave outer section, curving to slightly bevelled edges. In side view, the blade is slightly bent, caused by its deliberated breakage in antiquity. Good break fit with sword blade fragment (13). The blade edges are largely preserved, with possible notching visible down one side. Striations along the blade edge indicate sharpening, whilst longitudinal striations along upper surface further evidence of finishing. On upper convex blade surface are rounded impact marks created by blows from a blunted implement. Slightly lower down are a series of transverse shallow linear striations, possibly created by a tool with a blade edge. Dark grey green patina with light green carbonate concretions on one side, near break.