Description

Swords were among the most representative weapons in the Iron Age. Especially when, as in the case of the weapon from grave 2 from Glauberg, they were in richly decorated metal scabbards. The protective shell is made of iron, which is covered with a bronze sheet on the front. It has numerous decorations in the form of figural, mirror-symmetrically composed engravings and a meandering band. Two clamps that gave support to the sword scabbard, which was made up of individual parts, once had supports made of probably precious materials.

However, the desolate condition of the weapon when it was laid down is in stark contrast to its valuable appearance. The tang was broken and had already been repaired, the wooden handle was completely missing. The bend in the middle of the weapon suggests even more “improper” use. It was created when the sword, which had now become useless, was bent together and then apart!