8th-9th century AD. A hand-forged Eastern European iron javelin or spearhead, with square-sectioned spike, raised flange with a short socket. See a similar typological specimen in Yotov, V., ???????????? ? ???????????? ?? ??????????? ????????????? (VII-XI ???), (Arms in Bulgaria in medieval period, 7th-12th century), ?????, 2004, no.538, from the Necropolis of Krasen; reconstruction in fig.109, p.82. 322 grams, 48.5cm (19"). Property of a London gallery; previously from a private British collection; formerly acquired from a European gentleman; acquired in the 1990s and earlier. The length of the spear confirms a possible use from horseback. This kind of spear is classified by Prof. Yotov under the variant A. Analysing the different forms of spearheads, Yotov distinguished five distinctive groups, and two variants of spears typical of the Balkans, possibly manufactured inside the territories of the First Bulgarian Empire. Condition Report Fair condition, cleaned and conserved.