Product description
This beautiful, single-handed Viking Age sword is modeled on an bog find dated to the mid. 9th century and classified as a type "K" according to Petersen's typology of Viking swords. The original, remarkably well-preserved piece was found in Ballinderry (Ireland) in 1928 and is now on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. Its overall construction and appearance, the materials used and the other artefacts found alongside it make it quite clear that the Ballinderry sword was a weapon of high status. It is believed to have belonged to a wealthy Irishman - perhaps a prosperous farmer or a chieftain - but it is not known how the sword ended up in the hands of its Irish owner.
Shape-wise, this one-handed sword is a classic example of a Norse weapon and features the typical features of a traditional Dark Ages sword. But some of its characteristics reveal a more complex history: While the hilt is undoubtedly Scandinavian, the blade seems to be of Frankish origin. It is marked with the name of its maker, ULFBERHT, a Rhineland bladesmith workshop believed to be one of the first sword "brands" - with about 170 swords dated to the 9th to 11th c., bearing the same inscription +VLFBERHT+ and found throughout Europe (even as far as western Russia). So in the case of this particular weapon, the findings suggest that a blade imported from Germany was made into a sword by a Norse craftsman before eventually making its way (possibly through battle, but more likely through trade) to Ballinderry.
This battle-ready replica features a hardened 5160 high carbon steel blade tempered to a Rockwell hardness of approx. 48-52 HRC. Just like the archaeological piece, the double-edged blade with broad fuller bears the +ULFBERHT+ inscription. The full tang is peened to the pommel and the blunt, 2 mm thick edges and rounded tip make this great reproduction ideal for combat reenactment, stage fighting or sparring. The short guard and distinctive multi-lobed pommel are made of bronze and both closely recreate the scrollwork motifs and vine-like swirls of the original artefact. Like many original examples from this time period, the pommel is composed of several parts riveted together. The wooden core grip is tightly wrapped in brown leather cord.
This early medieval one-hander comes complete with a brown, gorgeous wood-and-leather scabbard with bronze throat and chape, a wooden suspension loop, and two leather loops. Delivery also includes a carrying belt / hanger made of brown leather (split suspension system with strap dividers). The fittings on the leather loops and baldric are cast in copper and modelled after finds from Birka/Björkö and Gotland, Sweden.
Details:
Edge: blunt 2 mm
Blade material: 5160 high carbon steel, tempered
Rockwell hardness: approx. 48-52 HRC
Handle material: leather-wrapped wood, bronze pommel and guard
Overall length: approx. 94 cm
Blade length: approx. 79 cm
Handle length: approx. 15 cm (grip approx. 10.5 cm)
Blade width at guard: approx. 5 cm
Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm (cutting edges approx. 2 mm)
Point of balance: approx. 17 cm from the guard
Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover, leather carrying loops and bronze fittings
Incl. leather carrying belt / hanger with copper fittings
Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.1 kg
Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.5 kg
Weight with scabbard and hanger: approx. 1.7 kg
Based on a historical original
Shipment weight (g): 2000 *
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Click here for more information on the European arms acts.
This item is produced in limited quantities only. This means that every piece is unique. Sizes & finish may vary lightly from piece to piece.
Prevent rust and corrosion by oiling your weapons regularly. Remove rust easily with black sandpaper. Remove burrs with a whetstone. Make sure you have removed all burrs before using a battle-ready weapon, as they can cause wounds.
Tip: How to adjust the finish of your armour and weaponry
Luxurious (polished)- polish the steel with metal polish or toothpaste. You can even give the item a mirror-like polish. Test on a small surface first!
Handmade (matte)- soak the steel in cola for 40 minutes to 20 hours. Check regularly and treat with black sandpaper.
Antique (patinated) leave the steel to rust for some time in a damp environment, preferably outside. Remove the red layer of rust, to reveal the corroded top layer.
Please note. After finishing the product yourself, the warranty and return right expire. Celtic WebMerchant is not responsible for the obtained result."
When packaging this item, we exclusively use 100% recycled plastic and recycled paper/cardboard from FSC certified forests. We reuse a large part of the material directly without the intervention of a recycling process.
Recycle the material by separating your waste:
1. Cardboard: separate or reuse your paper.
2. Plastic cushions, clothing bags and plastic tape: separate or reuse your plastic. If possible, pierce the cushions with a volume reduction needle.
3. Paper packaging for jewelry and small items: these have a plastic inner layer. Remove these, then separate your paper and plastic.
Read here about how we are committed to sustainability.
