File:Iron Age, Sword - Pommel (FindID 413021-305029).jpg

English: Incomplete cast copper alloy sword pommel of later Iron Age date (100 BC - 100 AD). The artefact is irregular in plan and profile; it is formed from a central rectangular vertical tube-like element (sub-rectangular in cross section) from which two centrally positioned sub-circular lobes expand. These lobes are integrally cast. Through the centre of the vertical element an iron rod (the tang) extends, this makes the copper alloy element a tube, sheath or sleeve. The tang extends from both the upper and lower edges and is broadly square in cross section; it seems to taper slightly from base to top (being 7.9mm x 8.1mm at the base and 6.5mm x 6.3mm at the top). The top edge of the tang, where it projects from the pommel, is rounded. It is possible that this is deliberate to achieve a secure fit and to hold the pommel in place. Where the iron has expanded through corrosion it has cracked the vertical tube, a large central crack is apparent on the lower edge of one face. However, the iron now seems stable and no active corrosion is present.

The pommel is decorated with a number of cast motifs. The main design is a debased spiral positioned on each lobe. This spiral begins at the centre of each side of the lobes and extends onto the outer edge, from here it travels onto the central tube where the two spirals conjoin in an elongated V shape that extends to the foot of the tube on each side. The upper edge of the central tube is decorated with a double moulded transverse band; the areas between each cast band are recessed.

The pommel is a dark - mid green colour with a well formed patina that has laminated in places. Where surface patina has been removed a lighter green surface has formed - although there does not seem to be active corrosion present. Some of the lamination has removed decorative details. Similar pommels with decorative bossed roundels are known from Wetwang Slack and Wanborough and illustrated in I.M.Stead (2006) British Iron Age Swords and Scabbards, London: British Museum Press, (Cats 173-4 & 220). These are broadly dated to the end of the Iron Age, specifically the period 100 BC - 100 AD. The form of the decoration and mouldings is likely to be dated to the 1st century AD (pers. comm. Adam Gwilt) and the tang circumference is most likely to suggest that this is from a sword rather than a dagger (ibid).

The pommel measures 34.5mm length, 41.4mm width, is 10.8mm thick and weighs 48.14