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The Staffordshire Hoard: Handy Weapon

Jeweled Pummel Cap Rings


A jeweled pommel cap and rings brightened a hilt of bone or ivory (artist's rendition below) on a short, light sword known as a seax (SAY-aks). Generally wielded with one hand, the single-edged seax was more versatile than a full sword, serving as a hunting knife as well as a dagger. A blade of finely patterned iron and steel would have been a valued part of such a weapon, but none was included in the treasure.

Art by Daniel Dociu; Artifact re-creations source: Kevin Leahy, Portable Antiquities Scheme



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