Iron Age sword forgotten in a drawer for 30 years is one of only three of its kind left in the UK

After more than a year of testing, x-raying and analysing it has been confirmed as an Iron Age sword dating back to 300 BC.

It is likely that the blade was originally 330 to 440 millimetres which defines it as a ‘short sword'. 

No decoration is visible which is typical of a shortsword. 

It is very similar to one found at Twyn-y-Gaer Cymyoy, which is better preserved than the Builth Wells sword. 

The only other one was found in an Iron Age burial of a young man in Rudston, East Yorkshire.

Sue Morrison of the Builth Wells Heritage Society said: “Over a year ago a person gave us an item that he had been given 30 years before.

“It was a rusty-looking implement that he had kept in a drawer and forgotten about. It had been dug up in the Builth Wells area. 

“We took it to Y Gaer in Brecon who in turn sent it to Cardiff Museum for tests. They kept it for a year, x-raying and analysing it.

“We had it back recently. It is an Iron Age sword dating 300 BC.

“It is only the blade and tang and is corroded. 

“However it’s very exciting as it is only one of three ever found in the UK. We hope that the sword will be a big draw.

“With thanks to the team at Cardiff Museum especially Dr. Adelle Bricking, the sword is now safely in situ in the Builth Wells Heritage Centre in 14 High Street, Builth Wells.

“Please come down and see it for yourself."

Builth Wells and District Heritage Society has been in existence for almost 40 years and is now running the Builth Wells Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, with help from the town council to ensure the future of the centre.

As well as the sword it hosts a collection of postcards, pictures and memorabilia, census returns and burial records, along with directories.

It also sells books and pictures of local interest. Opening hours at the centre are 10am to 1pm, Monday to Saturday.