Rus-Viking Sword

Rus-Viking Sword, Petersen Type E1, Gnezdovo, Grave C-15, 9th Century

This magnificent Viking Age one-handed sword is a replica of an artifact discovered in 1874 within the archaeological complex of Gnezdovo Archaeological Complex, near Smolensk, during excavations of burial mound C-15. Dating from the 9th–10th century, the remarkably well-preserved original was found embedded in the ground near the urn containing the cremated remains of its presumed owner.

The blade bore the inscription +ULFBERH+T on one side and, on the other, a series of vertical lines and scroll-like symbols whose meaning remains unknown to this day.

The sword has been classified as Type E1 according to the Petersen Typology of Viking swords. This particular variant is characterized by the decoration of its hilt with a simple cell-like ornamentation: the guard and pommel were decorated with numerous round holes or depressions arranged in rows like a checkerboard pattern.

The reconstruction offered here features a straight, double-edged blade made of heat-treated 1060 high-carbon steel, with a broad, long fuller and unsharpened edges. The engravings reproduce the markings found on the original blade.

The hilt consists of a short, lens-shaped brass crossguard, a wooden grip tightly wrapped in leather, and a large, heavy brass pommel. Here too, the dotted pattern decorating the original artifact has been reproduced as faithfully as possible.

As with many surviving historical examples from this period, the pommel of this sword is a two-piece construction: the blade tang passes through and is secured to the lower section, while the upper section is attached to the base by means of two rivets. The two pommel components are visually separated by a twisted wire. Recesses containing braided wire inlays are also found between the three sections of the pommel cap.

This early medieval one-handed sword is supplied with a well-fitted brown wood-and-leather scabbard featuring a brass throat, chape, and belt loop with an antique finish (maximum belt width: 6 cm).

Please note that this medieval sword is not suitable for stage combat. It is intended as a collector's item or decorative piece and is also ideal as an accessory for completing a historical costume.

Specifications

• Blade material: 1060 high-carbon steel (non-stainless), heat-treated
• Blade hardness: approximately 48–52 HRC (Rockwell)
• Hilt material: wood with brown leather covering; brass guard and pommel with steel wire inlays
• Overall length: approximately 97 cm
• Blade length: approximately 79 cm
• Blade thickness: approximately 5 mm (edge thickness approximately 1 mm)
• Hilt length: approximately 18 cm (grip section approximately 10 cm)
• Maximum blade width: approximately 5.8 cm
• Point of balance: approximately 11 cm in front of the guard
• Includes: wooden scabbard with genuine leather covering and antique-finished brass fittings
• Weight without scabbard: approximately 1.8 kg
• Weight with scabbard: approximately 2.4 kg

The specifications above may vary slightly from one specimen to another.

The steel used is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. Regular maintenance of the blade is recommended, for example using Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.

Please Note

This item is sold only to persons over 18 years of age.