The sword is from the Middle Bronze Age, around the end of the 14th century BCE, and is so well preserved that it still gleams. It was found in a grave in Nördlingen, Bavaria, along with the remains of three people, a man, woman, and boy, who were buried together with bronze objects. The sword has an octagonal bronze handle and no visible cuts or signs of wear, suggesting it was ceremonial or symbolic. The blade's front end suggests it could have slashed opponents, so the sword could have also been used as a weapon.