The hilt or handle had unusually been cast in bronze and was shaped to mimic a wooden handle. It had similarities with solid-cast hilts of Nordic swords from Scandinavia even though it was another ...

The iron sword was noted to have an octagonal handle along with a bronze hilt. The hilt featured circles and crescent carvings. The blade was almost intact and was just broken near the base.

The Nara city board of education unearthed the artifact, along with a shield-shaped bronze ... and the hilt. Officials expect to finish removing soil from the other side of the sword this autumn.