Pommel

Description

Copper alloy hollow cast pommel of classic Early Historic form, Bonchester Bridge, Hobkirk, Scottish Borders, 10th - 11th century AD

Museum reference

X.2016.51

Collection

Archaeology

Object name

Pommel

Date

Early Historic

Physical description

Copper alloy hollow cast pommel of classic Early Historic form, five lobed form. The central pommel is unusually large, and the terminal lobes are unusually small. Normally also such pommels have a sharply curving base yet this example is almost flat, only the two terminal lobes curving upwards. Overall the pommel is rather asymmetrical and lacks the elegant profile of other examples. The pommel is also missing a substantial part of the central lobe; although damage might be expected in this area (as it supported the full weight of the blade) the void looks more like the result of a failed casting, and the top of the pommel does not appear to have been pierced to accept the tang of the blade.

References

Maldonado, A. 2021. Crucible of Nations: Scotland from Viking Age to Medieval Kingdom. Edinburgh: National Museums Scotland.