Abstract
Describes how investigations into the provenance of three leaf-shaped swords in the collections of the University of Aberdeen lead to two of these swords, and four further swords from other collections, being identified as nineteenth-century replicas. All but one of the swords were investigated by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-radiography, as well as detailed visual examination. This revealed that only one had a composition within the range expected for genuine Bronze Age artefacts; visual examination further showed that the others had features unknown on Bronze Age swords. The article concludes with a consideration of the changing meanings of the swords during their two hundred years in various museums.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 487-500 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland |
| Volume | 137 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |