Combat Ulfberht sword, SK-B, Viking Sword with Scabbard, 9th Century - Steel Hilt

Suitable for Reenactment Combat, SK-B
This beautiful single-handed sword from the Viking Age is a reconstruction of a bog find dating to the mid-9th century, which, according to the Petersen typology of Viking swords, was classified as Type "K". The remarkably well-preserved original was found in Ballinderry, Ireland, in 1928 and can now be admired in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. Based on its construction, overall appearance, the materials used, and the other artifacts found nearby, it is highly likely that the Ballinderry sword was a prestige weapon. It is assumed that it belonged to a well-to-do Irishman—possibly a wealthy farmer or tribal chieftain. How the sword ultimately came into the hands of its Irish owner remains unknown.
This single-handed sword is a classic example of a Nordic weapon in its design and possesses the typical characteristics of a traditional sword from the early Middle Ages. However, some peculiarities suggest a more complex history: While the hilt is undoubtedly Scandinavian, the blade appears to be of Frankish origin. It bears the inscription of its maker, ULFBERHT, a Rhenish smith, considered one of the first "marks" for swords (around 170 swords from the 9th to 11th centuries bearing the inscription +VLFBERHT+ have now been found throughout Europe—as far as western Russia). In the case of this particular sword, the findings indicate that the blade was imported from Germany, crafted into a sword by a Nordic master, and eventually (perhaps through warfare, more likely through trade) found its way to Ballinderry.

The combat-ready replica we offer here features a hardened blade made of 5160 carbon steel, tempered to approximately 48-52 HRC. Like the original artifact, the double-edged blade with a wide fuller bears the inscription +ULFBERHT+. The full tang is riveted to the pommel. With its blunt, 2 mm thick striking edge and rounded tip, this superb reproduction is perfectly suited for reenactment, stage combat, or sparring.
The short crossguard and the distinctive pommel with its multiple ridges are made of steel. Both faithfully reproduce the swirling and tendril motifs that adorn the hilt of the original artifact. As with many other contemporary examples, the pommel is also composed of several riveted pieces. The grip, with its wooden core, is tightly wrapped with brown leather cord.

The tang is tangled with a wooden core and is wrapped with brown leather cord. This early medieval sword comes complete with a beautiful brown wood and leather scabbard featuring a bronze throat and chape, a wooden lanyard hole, and two leather carrying loops. A brown leather carrying strap/belt (with strap dividers) is also included. The copper fittings on the leather loops and strap are based on finds from (among other places) Birka/Björkö and Gotland, Sweden.
Another version of this reenactment sword with a bronze pommel and guard is also available in our shop (item no. 0164002631).

Details:

- Stage Combat Quality Class: SK-B

- Blade Material: 5160 Carbon Steel, heat-treated

- Blade Rockwell Hardness: approx. 48-52 HRC

- Handle Material: Wood with leather wrapping, steel pommel and guard

- Overall Length: approx. 94 cm

- Blade Length: approx. 79 cm

- Handle Length: approx. 15 cm (grip section approx. 10.5 cm)

- Blade Width at Guard: approx. 5 cm

- Blade Thickness: approx. 4 mm (cutting edge approx. 2 mm)

- Point of Balance: approx. 17 cm in front of the guard

- Includes wooden scabbard with genuine leather covering, leather carrying straps, and bronze fittings

- Includes leather carrying strap with copper fittings

- Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.1 kg

- Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.5 kg

- Weight with scabbard and strap: approx. 1.7 kg

The above specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece.