298 CHAPTER 4
only characteristic of spathae but can also be observed on other double-edged
swords.
Single-edged swords of the Early phase were usually manufactured by use
of simpler methods. These weapons were usually cemented, like the sword of
Dabas which has a surface that is rich in high-carbon cementite despite being
made of a single iron rod.36 A similar feature was observed on the sword from
grave No. 149 at Környe, the blade of which was also cemented.37 The second-
ary cementation on the blade of a single-edged sword from grave No. 78 at
Környe is not obvious in spite of its high carbon content.38
Most of the examined sabres were of even more primitive manufacturing:
according to the observations of Matthias Mehofer, the sabres from Zillingtal
were made of a single iron rod, and were not cemented or cooled, with harden-
ing by cooling of the tip shown to have occurred on only one of the examined
sabres.39 The sabre of Holiare was produced by a more complex technique,
using two different iron rods and forge welding, the edge of the blade being
made of high-carbon steel.40 Matthias Mehofer described these sabres as being
fragile and of low quality compared to that of the pattern welded spathae.41
The broad seax (‘Breitsax’) of Želovce was examined metallographically by
L’ubomír Mihók who observed significant differences in the manufacturing
technique of sabres and this seax, despite being from the same site, suggest-
ing different workshops.42 It is important to note that these studies are few in
number and that their relevance and representativity can only be improved by
the systematic examination of whole series of weapon types.
Summarising the examples discussed above, it is clear that mostly simple
forging techniques were used by Avar-age blacksmiths. Most of the weapons
were not of a particularly good quality, although some high quality artefacts
are known, some of which could have been imported.
36 Simon – Székely 1991, 204.
37 Piaskowski 1974, 123.
38 Piaskowski 1974, 123.
39 Zillingtal grave No. D 338 (Mehofer 2006, 170–171).
40 Pleiner 1967; Pleiner 2006, 207. fig. 68.
41 Mehofer 2006, 173.
42 Mihok et al. 1995, 72–73.