Viking Age sword with silvered hilt
Culture
Northern European
Datelate 800s
Mediumsteel (heavily oxidized), silver inlay
Dimensionsoverall length and width (at crossguard) 90.5 × 9.7 cm (35 5/8 × 3 13/16 in.)
blade length: 74.5 cm (29 5/16 in.)
1 lb. 8 oz. (1.1 kg)
blade length: 74.5 cm (29 5/16 in.)
1 lb. 8 oz. (1.1 kg)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineMuseum purchase through the Higgins Collection Acquisitions Fund and Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Fund
Object number2021.22
DescriptionExcavated condition. Lenticular blade with broad, shallow fuller and moderately acute tip. Pronounced longitudinal grain in the metal of the blade. Edge curves inward near the hilt, evidently from repeated sharpenings during its working life; interestingly, this is much more pronounced on one side than the other, suggesting that the seemingly symmetric weapon had a distinct front and back edge in practice.Guard of lenticular shape; a medial ridge around its perimeter. Base of pommel similar in shape to the guard but a bit smaller; evidently secured to the blade by peening. Triangular pommel cap secured to the pommel base with one rivet on each side of the tang. Grip lost.
Guard and pommel surface scored with parallel grooves to secure silver wire overlay. This overlay may once have covered the entire surface, now it appears in parallel lines following the grooves. Signs of hammering in the silver, evidently from a recent conservation campaign to resecure the silver in the grooves.
Label TextSwords came into their own during the Viking Age, when metalworkers were finally able to make long, thin blades that could take the punishment of combat. The skill required to forge a sword made it an expensive weapon, and fine examples like this one were status symbols for their owners.
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