A MEROVINGIAN IRON SPATHA SWORD WITH ALMANDINE GARNET AND ROCK-CRYSTAL POMMEL

Circa 600 AD. A spatha longsword comprising a lentoid-section iron parallel-sided blade with broad tapering tip; formed by the forge-welding process. A rectangular iron hilt with rectangular dual-sided cell of inset almandine garnet cloison set in a stepped pattern, a rock-crystal nut shaped pommel. Mounted on a custom-made stand. For similar style and period see: Menghin, W. Das Schwert im Frühen Mittelalter, Stuttgart, 1983, item 47 (Arcy - St. Restitue, France) and 56 (Planig, Germany, grave 1") For a similar later pommel see: The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art. Accession no. 42.50.159. Size: L:1015mm / W:110mm ; 620g. Provenance: From the private collection; previously in a London collection of Mr. Matt Mounce; acquired by Mr. Elliot Cartwright , in 1935; afterward acquired for the private collection of Jeremy Hooker in 1957; later was in William Morse collection in 1978.