Edged Weapons 181
were mostly decorated with silver foil. Only two examples are covered with
gold-foil: the sword from Csepel–Kavicsbánya85 and grave No. 1 at Zsámbok.86
The decoration of both swords is similar to that of the ring-pommel swords
with pearl-rows, whereas only the single-edged sword with silver covering
from grave No. 150 at Csákberény shows similar characteristics.
The classification of the gold and silver covering of the swords, and their sig-
nificance for the social history of the Avars, will be discussed in later chapters.
Their function as ostentatious weapons seems highly probable.
1.2.1.2 Single-edged Swords with Crossguard (E.II.A/2)
Single-edged swords with crossguard are common weapons during the Avar
Age, 47 such examples being known (map 31, figs. 69–71). These swords have
crossguards of several types, the classification of which will be presented in a
separate chapter. The geographical distribution of these finds is even, and can
be found in every region of the Carpathian Basin.
Single-edged swords with crossguard are rare finds during the Early phase87
but they became increasingly popular during the Middle (21 examples) and
Late (26 examples) phases. They remained in used from the middle of the 7th
century until the end of the Late phase.
1.2.2 Single-edged Ring-pommel Swords (E.II.B)
A special type of single-edged sword has a ring-pommel,88 which was usu-
ally made from the iron projection of the hilt, though in some cases it was
Simon 1991, 293), Mali Iđoš grave No. 84 (Gubitza 1911, 125; Dimitrijević – Kovačević –
Vinski 1962, 45; Mrkobrad 1980, 152. LXXIX; Simon 1991, 301), Kunpeszér grave No. 3, 8, 9,
27, 30.A (H. Tóth 1984, 12; Simon 1991, 299), Maglód (Garam 2005, 414, 9–10. kép, 427–428),
Szeged–Fehértó A grave No. 26, 34, B 12, (Madaras 1995b, 17, Pl. 4/14; 18, Pl. 6/11, 138, Pl. 2–3),
Szeged–Kundomb grave No. 180 (Salamon – Sebestyén 1995, 28. 55, Pl. 25/5), Zsámbok
grave No. 1 and 2 (Garam 1983, 140. Abb. 1/1–2. Abb. 6/1–2. Abb. 7; 144. Abb. 5/7–9. Abb. 6/3.
Abb. 8).
85 Nagy 1998, I. 178–180.
86 Garam 1983, 140. Abb. 1/1–2. Abb. 6/1–2. Abb. 7.
87 Two examples, the dating of which is unsure: Mali Iđoš grave No. 72 (Gubitza 1907, 358–
359; Dimitrijević – Kovačević – Vinski 1962, 45; Simon 1991, 301. 16. kép 16); Pilisborosjenő–
Téglagyár ( Jelentés 1907, 43–44; Kovrig 1955a, 37; MRT 7. 141, 15/2. Lh; Simon 1991, 304)
(MNM 71/1906.1).
88 Biharkeresztes–Lencséshát (Mesterházy 1987, 222, 6. kép/1–2; Bóna 1990, 113–124; Simon
1991, 287, II. kép 1, 21. kép 3); Bócsa (Fettich 1937, 123. taf. CXIX. 1; Fettich 1951, 71. Taf.
LI; László 1955, 228–230; XLIII. T. 1. 11–12. XLIV–XLV. T. 1–6; Simon 1991, 287, 15. kép 4;
Garam 1993, 53–57. Taf. 4–21); Bogojevo I grave No. 10 (Cziráky 1899, 422–423; Velenrajter
1960, 180–181, 183, I: 1; Dimitrijević – Kovačević – Vinski 1962, 38–39, Abb.12; Korošec 1959,
103–117. Abb. 1–21. Taf. I; Simon 1991, 287); Deszk H grave No. 22 (Klárafalva grave No. 13)