Fig. 104.—Lagore. Two Bronze Pins (1⁄1), a Bronze Bowl, and a Ladle and an Axe-head of Iron.
Objects of Iron.—Two double-edged swords, one measuring 22¼ inches, inclusive of the tang which passed through the hilt; the blade, 18½ inches long and 1⅜ inch wide, was formed with a wide shallow groove along its entire length. The other sword-blade measures 15¼ inches and is formed with a central ridge. A blade, curved towards the point, in some degree resembling certain Oriental weapons; the curved portion alone has a cutting edge on both sides; length 13¼ inches, and width of curved portion 1 inch. Two spear-heads, in fine preservation and very sharp; length 10 inches. A peculiar single-edged weapon, resembling the glaive of simplest form, but of diminutive size, the blade measuring only 8 inches. An iron axe-head, length 7 inches. A peculiar iron pipe. ([See page 431].) An iron ladle. An iron ring with portion of chain manacle ([Figs. 103] and [104]).
Fig. 105.—Lagore. Ornamented Bone Comb (2⁄3), portion of an object of Bronze with Interlacements, a Bronze Dagger 9¾ inches long, and 3 Beads.
Bronze.—A small bowl 5¼ inches diameter, height 3 inches. Three armillæ of rude fashion. Portion of bronze ornament with enamelled work and exquisite finish. Portion of a ring fibula, with the extremities, between which the acus passed, dilated and flat. There are cavities in the metal in which enamel or some other ornament appears to have been incrusted. Portion of an object with interlaced ornamentation ([Fig. 105]), of unknown use. Several bronze pins of various fashion and size, from 3 to 6 inches in length. Four of these have movable rings appended to one extremity in lieu of a head. Another pin has a head of very singular fashion, as shown by the representation here annexed, of the same size as the original ([Fig. 104]).
Bone.—Two bone needles or bodkins, being perforated at the extremities, 2½ to 3½ inches long. A double-toothed comb of bone, rudely ornamented with lines and concentric circles, 3½ by 2¼ inches.
In April, 1887, through the courtesy and assistance of the present Lord Talbot de Malahide, I had the satisfaction of inspecting most of the above described objects, which are still in safe keeping among the art treasures of Malahide Castle. Illustrations of most of them are given on [Figs. 103] and [104].
The objects from Lagore which went to the Museum of the Irish Academy, together with those in the Petrie collection (now belonging to the Academy), are in such a state of confusion, owing to the absence of distinguishing labels, and the want of harmony between the numbers on the objects and those in the official catalogue, that, notwithstanding several visits to the museum with the express purpose of identifying and singling out some of the crannog remains, I have been unable to make much addition to those already illustrated.