Viking Sword with Transitional Cross Guard

Dated: 9th/10th Century

Measurements: Blade 79.4 cm. Overall length 94,5 cm

In conserved excavated condition with patina characteristic of a river find, the sword comes with a broad flat blade tapering slightly over its upper third. It is formed with a short blunt point, the central part of the blade surface showing distinct pattern-welded horizontal patterns formed in three vertical parallel lines over the greater part of the blade length.

Both "herringbone" (describes a distinctive V-shaped pattern) and wavy linear, and the edges and the area immediately below the point forming a frame forged in a less distinct pattern of vertical irregular wavy lines. It is fitted with pommel of two-part construction, the lower piece elliptical with horizontal medial ridge, the upper part thinner in section.

Both sides are vertically segmented by two shallow recessed panels bordered by a series of very narrow ridges and a pair matching narrow flutes together forming a lobated upper edge while the crosspiece is a modern reconstruction “aged” to match. For a detailed study of swords from German collections dating from the 8th-12th centuries and for their categorisation see GEIBIG, Alfred, Beiträge zur morphologischen Entwicklung des Schwertes im Mittelalter, in Offa-Bücher.

Source: www.hermann-historica.de/