Metallographic Investigation of the Bronze Sword from Vértesszőlős

Abstract

The area of Vértesszőlős was a populated area during the wide period of the Bronze Age. Artifacts from different cultures, and among them, many bronze objects were found. Most are ornaments, but tools and weapons have also been unearthed. The weapons found are a fragment of a sword, a blade tip fragment, and a dagger. The primary purpose of the study is the metallographic analysis of the objects to reveal the characteristics of their alloys and the manufacturing technique. It is also important from the point of view of identifying the basic copper alloy groups based on many test results. The study of the microstructure also provides new knowledge for this, and it also allows to determine the manufacturing technique. The purpose of the tests shall be to establish a detailed metallographic examination and compositional and manufacturing information.