Iron, 745 grams, 97.7 cm long. 7th century AD. A spatha or long, slashing sword of early mediaeval type. The blade is made from multiple iron billets, forge-welded longitudinally. The blade is a shallow diamond section, 38.7 mm broad at the hilt (16.9 mm at a locations about 1 cm above the point) with very little distal taper (7.47 mm at the hilt, 3.73 mm at a locaton about 1 cm above the point). The lower guard (15.45 mm thick, 58.9 mm across, 26.2 mm wide) is formed as two addorsed D-shaped lobes joined in a single deep curve on the upper surface and with a double-curve on the lower edge. A decorative panel on the outer face features areas of gilding which follows the outer edge of the panel, and a single cabochon setting for a jewel (commonly garnet or richly-coloured glass) which is no longer present. The tapering 118 mm long tang is pierced by a rivet which attached the organic hilt components (lost in antiquity). The profile and decoration of the sword is consistent with a 7th century AD date. The sword is a very finely-made and graceful weapon typical of the Avar horse-warriors of Late Antiquity; its long blade is perfect for slashing from a moving mount and its light, slender construction makes it ideal for prolonged use. Reference: Nicolle, D. Attila and the Nomad Hordes, Oxford, 1990, p.48 item F. Very fine condition, fully stabilized and conserved. This item is accompanied by an XRF ancient metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd.