258 CHAPTER 3
is between 8 and 10 cm. These crossguards were fixed asymmetrically to the
blade. The crossguard of the single-edged sword from grave No. 1 at Budapest-
Rákos (Fig. 94/4) is 8.6 cm long, of rectangular cross section, and is decorated
by vertical grooves and terminates in rhombic-shaped parts.386 These cross-
guards are also known from straight single-edged and curved blades. This type
is dated to the Late phase, spanning its entire duration.387
2.2.5 Hilt-tube Crossguards (CG.7)
This type is characterised by a tube on the hilt with two horizontal projections.
Such crossguards were cast of copper alloy388 and have been identified as
Byzantine imports (map 46, fig. 95).389 The sword from Čierný Brod (fig. 95/1)
was considered to be a Byzantine import of the Late phase and dated to the
end of the 8th and to the beginning of the 9th century by Attila Kiss.390 A good
analogy for this weapon is known from the Carolingian cemetery at Garabonc
(fig. 95/2).391 A similar crossguard forged of iron was found on a sabre in grave
No. 230 at Košice–Šebastovce.392 Although this crossguard is unique in the
Carpathian Basin, similar crossguards are well known in Bulgaria.393 This
edged weapon can be regarded as an indicator of southeastern contact.394
2.2.6 Short, Broad Spatha Crossguard (CG.8)395
Crossguards were generally used on spathae from the 8th century onwards.
These crossguards are relatively short, broad, their ends are rounded and are
Vösendorf grave No. 715 (Sauer 2007, 94–95); Želovce grave No. 27 (Čilinská 1973, 38, Taf.
IV/1); Želovce grave Nr 79 (Čilinská 1973, 49, Taf. XV/1).
386 Nagy 1998, I. 69, II. Taf. 54 A, Taf. 152/1a–b.
387 The only exception is grave No. 11 from Holiare, which is dated by the quadrangular silver
mounts, which are characteristic of the Middle phase (Kovrig 1948, 120–121).
388 Čierny Brod I. grave No. 2 (Čilinská – Točik 1978, 46; Točík 1992, 9–12, Obr. 7; Zábojník 1995,
No. 19); Garaboc–Ófalu I grave No. 55 (Szőke 1992a, 93).
389 Kiss 1987a, 204–205.
390 Kiss 1987a, 204–205, Abb. 5.
391 Szőke 1992a, 92–96. 233–234. Taf. 20. He dated the burial to the second third of 9th century
(Szőke 1992a, 96).
392 Košice–Šebastovce grave No. 230 (Budinský-Krička – Točík 1991, 49, Taf. XXXI/8).
393 Crossguards with hilt-tube cast of copper alloy: Galovo–Vračansko, Pliska and from an
unknown site of northeastern Bulgaria (Iotov 2004, Tabl. XXIX), made of iron: Abritus
near Razgrad, Červen brjag, the fort of Stărmen, Rusensko, Staro Selo, Vračansko, Dobrič
(Iotov 2004, Tabl. XXXVI).
394 Csiky 2006, 114.
395 Wien–XXIII. Liesing grave No. 3 (Mossler 1948, 222) Želovce grave No. 124 (Čilinská 1973,
57, Taf. XXII/16), see map 46, fig. 98 96.