Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?
News:
Please Support Us!
Donate with PayPal!
November Goal: $40.00
Due Date: Nov 30
Gross Amount: $25.00
PayPal Fees: $1.58
Net Balance: $23.42
Below Goal: $16.58

©
59% 
November Donations
7th Anonymous $20.00
5th Anonymous $5.00
Pages: [1]   Go Down
Print
This topic has not yet been rated!
You have not rated this topic. Select a rating:
Author Topic: Stolen Iron Age Sword Returned to UK museum  (Read 68 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Bart
Platinum Member
*****

Karma: 143
OfflineOffline

Posts: 1768



View Profile
« on: September 23, 2007, 07:05:16 AM »

Peterborough's Iron Age Sword on display at the museum

   The two thousand year old sword and scabbard stolen over a decade ago have finally returned to Peterborough Museum. They were recovered after they were offered for sale at an auction in Germany, where they were recognised by concerned collectors. Following a year of international correspondence and negotiation, this unique sword finally returned to Peterborough in August 2007.



   The sword and scabbard were found at Orton Longueville during gravel extraction in the 1980s. They had been placed in the river Nene as offerings during the Iron Age, over 2000 years ago. Some watery places were especially sacred to prehistoric people, and valuable items were given to the Gods at special locations. This is the origin of our custom of throwing coins into wells, and the medieval legends of swords in lakes. Swords are symbols of kingship and power. This sword is like a prehistoric version of King Arthur's Excalibur.



   The iron sword and its bronze scabbard are especially important. They are among the finest examples known in Britain, and have several unique features that have helped experts to confirm their identity. There is a prominent stamp on the blade which looks a bit like a hand or a foot. The sword smith who made this blade over 2000 years ago would be pleased to know that their mark helped to bring the sword back home.

   Experts from the British Museum and Cambridgeshire police have helped in the recovery, but the sword would not have been recovered without the help of the Deutsches Klingenmuseum (German Blade Museum), and Lutz Hoffmeister in particular.


 
   Gillian Barclay, our learning and heritage services manager, said "We are really excited to have the sword and scabbard back where it belongs. It is an important part of the heritage of our city, and we look forward to displaying it again at Peterborough Museum."

Source

Logged

Learning is a treasure which accompanies its owner everywhere.
Bart
Platinum Member
*****

Karma: 143
OfflineOffline

Posts: 1768



View Profile
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2007, 07:14:53 AM »

   The Deutsches Klingenmuseum (Blade Museum) in Solingen arguably has the most extensive collection of knives, swords, daggers and culinary cutlery in the world. The collection spans more than 4000 years starting in the Bronze Age (about 2000 B.C.) up to contemporary times.



   The museum is located in northern part of Solingen. It was converted from the historic Grafrath Convent in 1991 by the noted architect and designer Josef Paul Klinehues. With a contemporary open floor plan and lots of arched windows the museum is bathed in natural light. The modern interior design juxtaposes the ancient edged relics creating an exciting presentation.

   The museum documents the history of Solingen, Germany and beyond from the perspective of "the knife." Nearly everything that defines a society can be seen in the design, popularity and manufacture of blades. The development of technology, the rise and fall of the economy, the turbulence of war, the excess or depletion of natural materials, the level of crime and violence all effect the design and manufacture of certain kinds of edged weapons, knives and cutlery. The Deutsches Klingenmuseum is full of examples.



   One interesting type of sword made in Old Germany is a good example of design reflecting what was once a socially accepted practice. This sword was crafted for the purpose of beheading.



   In the design it sports a long, heavy, wide four foot blade which is rounded at the tip. No need for a sharp tip when the only function utilizes the sides of the blade alone.



   The museum boasts an extensive collection of swords from Germany and beyond.

Source
Logged

Learning is a treasure which accompanies its owner everywhere.
Tags:
Pages: [1]   Go Up
Print
 
Jump to:  

Powered by SMF 1.1.4 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC
History Hunters Worldwide Exodus | TinyPortal v0.9.8 © Bloc