I think you can have any explanation you want as long as gives a best or at least reasonable fit with the known facts. Relevant points for your suggestion Steve might be

THE DECORATION
Why not? Shields and swords were decorated beyond their strictly functional use.

THE STANDARD SIZE
Might be hard to justify if used as a weapon against an attacker but could be justified if used as part of a public spectacle - a form of jousting where there would have to be rules and standards.

LACK OF DAMAGE
See comments elsewhere about material used. Lack of damage could be consistent with a weapon used in the way described.

APPARENTLY NOT PERSONAL ITEMS
This is speculation of course but arises out of a seeming absence in burial contexts. You might think this was less good a fit as, using the swords and shields analogy, you might expect more burial contexts to arise.