Note on the Hallstatt Period in Ireland

Abstract

On page 86 of the 2nd edition (1912) of the late J. R. Allen's Celtic Art is the statement, ‘Of the smaller Hallstatt sword with an iron blade and a bronze handle, having antennae-like projections at the top, one specimen from the Thames is to be seen in the British Museum, and there are about half a dozen others in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.’ Déchelette (Manuel, ii, 2nd part, page 737 and note 3) repeated this on Allen's authority. But no swords of this type have, I believe, been discovered in Ireland. As no examples have been exhibited with the Academy's collection it is difficult to account for the mistake.

‘Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble’: Iron Age and Early Roman Cauldrons of Britain and Ireland

“…According to Raftery (1983: 210), the patination of this disc is different from the rest of the base indicating that it is an ancient repair. Rectangular and D-shaped patches are also present, as well as a ‘paper-clip’ repair. Discovery : From a bog, found 6 m below the surface References : Armstrong 1923, 25 fig. 13.2; Raftery 1980, 59, no.…”

“…There are 6 patches on the upper band and up to 17 patches on the bowl, located at the shoulder. A further paper-clip repair and 1 washer are also present. Discovery : Found in the Bog of Allen during turf cutting, 7 ft (2.1 m) below the surface on 23 May 1853 (McEvoy 1854–5, 131). References : McEvoy 1854–5, 131–2; Armstrong 1923, 25, fig. 13.2; Raftery 1980, 59; 1983, no.…”

“…Along the top of the upper band are 5 rivet holes, perhaps remnants of the rim attachment. There are 20+ internal patches, most of which (17) are repairs to the base. Discovery : Found 2.1 m below the surface of the peat during turf cutting in 1853 References : McEvoy 1854–5, 131–2; Armstrong 1923, 25, fig. 13.…”