Anglo-Saxon iron seax

Anglo-Saxon iron seax with silver cocked-hat pommel and fittings, 7th-8th century AD, from Oliver's Battery, Hampshire.

Iron dagger

Anglo-Saxon, 7th or 8th century AD

Found in an Anglo-Saxon grave during excavations led by local archaeologist W J Andrew at Oliver's Battery, near Winchester, in 1930

Fighting and hunting are potential uses for this dagger, known more precisely in Anglo-Saxon studies as a 'seax' or long knife. These objects were popular as grave furniture in the 7th and 8th centuries, and were sometimes highly decorated. This example, with its silver pommel in the shape of a cocked hat, is particularly fine. When it was excavated, iron corrosion could be seen preserving the remains of a wooden sheath probably of oak.

Anglo-Saxon iron seax with silver cocked-hat pommel and fittings, 7th century AD, from Oliver's Battery, Hampshire.