16063
Accession Number
29958
Title Of Article Chaper
Investigation of European Medieval Weapons - Two Swords and Two Helmets
Title Of Journal Book
Spectrometric Examination in Conservation: International Symposium on the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
Pages
52-69
Collation
18 p. : ills.
Reference Bibliography
Includes bibliographic references
Publisher
Tokyo National Research Institute of Cultural Properties
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Monograph
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
Medieval iron-based weapons (two swords and two helmets) have been investigated using non-destructive and quasi-non-destructive techniques. These were: photon activation analysis with 30 MeV and respectively 16 MeV bremsstrahlung of an electron linear accelerator, energy-dispeersive nculide-excited X-ray fluorescene analysis, radiometric wall-thickness measurement and others. Authenticity assessment was the major objective. Regarding the results of the material investigations and those of stylistic, weaponry-scientific and weaponry-historical studies, the objects can be considered genuine with a high degree of confidence. However, whilst the two swords can be regarded as outstandingly valuable pieces, the two helmets were found to be of lower quality with respect to the ground material used and the smithing technique applied.
Keywords
medieval; weapon; sword; helmet; iron; metal
pub_id
16063