At least two swords have been found in Ireland still retaining the plates of bone which formed their hilts. By the kindness of Mr. Robert Day, F.S.A., I am able to reproduce full-sized figures of both sides of one of the most perfect specimens, as Figs. 358 and 359, which have already appeared in the Journal of the Royal Historical and Archæological Association of Ireland.[1112]
Fig. 358.—Muckno. 1/1 — Fig. 359.—Muckno. 1/1
The sword itself, shown on a small scale in Fig. 360, was found in Lisletrim Bog, Muckno, Co. Monaghan. It is 24½ inches long, with a thick midrib running along the blade. The plates of bone which are still attached have been pronounced by Professor Owen to be mammalian, and probably cetacean. It will be observed that at the wings of the hilt-plate the bone projects somewhat beyond the metal. The same peculiarity may be observed in the bone hilt of a sword found at Mullylagan,[1113] Co. Armagh, which has somewhat the appearance of having been carved at the end next the blade into a pair of rude volutes. It is shown full-size in Fig. 361. The sword itself, on a small scale, is shown in Fig. 362. In this instance the bone projects beyond the sides of the hilt-plate. I have not seen the specimen, which is preserved in the collection of Mr. A. Knight Young, of Monaghan.[1114] A bronze sword with six rivets, found near Kallundborg, Denmark,[1115] had the hilt formed of wood.
Fig. 360.—Muckno. — Fig. 361.—Mullylagan. 1/1 — Fig. 362.—Mullylagan. 1/6
As is the case with several of the bronze swords discovered in Scandinavia, some of those found in Ireland seem to have been decorated with gold upon their hilts.
Fig. 363.
Ireland.