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Spearhead, Spearhead
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Iron spearhead dating to the 10th-11th century. It was found in 1973 when men working for the Council were diving in the River Lugg during alterations to the Lugg Bridge at Lugwardine. ‘Pattern-welding’ lines can be seen on the lower part of the spear where the surface has corroded away. This is a result of the method of forming the spear during forging. By taking different twisted rods of iron or low-carbon steel and hammer-welding them together, the smith produced a stronger and better blade than using a single piece of iron. The spear is made up of three to four separate sections including the pattern welded sections, which have been hammer welded together. Decorative bands which can just be made out have been added around the socket. Part of the original spear shaft was found with the spear and was made from ash. The spear is slightly bent, which may be deliberate ritual damage or simply a result of river and silt action.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | 9936 |
| Date | 901 - 1100 |
| Period | Anglo-Saxon |
| Collection | Archaeology |
| Technique | Forged |
| Material | Iron |
| Creator | |
| Name | |
| Locality | River Lugg |
| Locality | Lugwardine Parish |
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