CELTIC KNIFE OR DAGGER C.200BC-200AD

Roman Britain. 5 ¼” (5.24”) overall with characteristic inside curved wedge section blade. Tapered tang for embedding in a grip without a guard. The blade root squared in the Roman fashion for facing a cast bronze grip. Knife styles varied according to the fighting techniques of their respective cultures. As with Vikings later, Celts preferred a small slashing knife. Increased size translates to a slower attack and with a moving target, decreased accuracy. This blade form derives from the overhand back slash capable of tearing a man’s throat to the spine but at the price of the loss of primary frontal protection. You had to get it right or do it clandestinely. Excavated and professionally conserved with Plexiglas display easel. Rarely encountered.