Large and heavy bladed knife or slasher. Strong possibility that this object is finished as there is no effective blade edge. An alternative possibility is that this item is encased in a sheath but there are no structurally identifiable organics present. The handle , which appears to be whittle tanged, shows mostly bare metal and forging structure with patchy areas of checked dark black/brown oxidation products (see analysis below). The blade has a more cohesive corrosion layer with expanses of smooth, dark metallic surfaces, which appear to lie both under and over more oxidized layers. Perhaps this is a result of proximity to the lead basin? Tinning should also be considered but not likely as this was not picked up in XRF analysis. The tip of the blade is angled slightly to the left. The shoulder areas is very thick and heavy.

Kirkpatrick-Juxta, DUMFRIESSHIRE

Annandale, Beattock, near Stidriggs Farm.

MEDIAEVAL

DUMFM:1989.2.19

Archaeology