Folia archeologica 11.

Csalog József: Rangjelző díszkard az avaroknál

108 J. Csalog AVAR ORNAMENTAL SWORD AS DISTINGUISHING MARKS The author deals with the small ring visible on the hilt of the straight double-edged swords lacking the quillons, coming to light at Törökbálint, Gátér and Szegvár. He disagrees with the view of I. Kovrig, who supposes that it was a ring serving the wrist band. Various reasons, especially the presumable shortness of the hilt, are inducing the author to regard the discussed parts of the swords as rings holding tassels signifying rank. It follows that the swords themselves must have been distinguishing marks, instead of weapons for actual fighting.