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Matrices for Sword Mounts

10th–11th century
Not on view
Bronze molds such as these were used to form the metal parts of a sword hilt and scabbard, usually made of the soft metals gold, silver, or copper. The three molds shown here are for the guard and the upper and lower scabbard mounts. The parts were formed in halves, then joined along the edges. The cross-shaped guard of the Nishapur sword exhibited nearby shows these joining seams.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Matrices for Sword Mounts
  • Date: 10th–11th century
  • Culture: Iraqi or Iranian
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: Sword guard (1980.210.1): H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); Wt. 6 oz. (162 g); locket (1980.210.2): H. 2 15/16 in. (7.44 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.65 cm); Wt. 4 oz. (119 g); chape (1980.210.3): H. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm); W. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); Wt. 7 oz. (206 g)
  • Classification: Swords-Accessories
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Anonymous Gift, 1980
  • Object Number: 1980.210.1–.3
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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