This exquisite example of an 8th century Anglo-Saxon sword is based on the surviving parts of an original found in Fetter Lane, London in the 19th century and now on display in the British Museum.
Such a highly crafted sword would be reserved for the elite of Anglo-Saxon society. The grip is decorated on both sides. On one side a spiral of four snakes separated by undulating leafy stems, the other a spread-eagled beast with gaping jaws in profile encircles its body with its zoomorphic tail, against a background of leafy shoots. The pommel cap, riveted into place like the original, features a central element decorated with a formalised tendril pattern, on one side alternating with bird heads. The hilt is constructed from antiqued brass with tin plated fittings that shine like silver. The blade was formed by twisting bars of steel around each other, welding the bars together by hammering and then repeating the process to create this distinct pattern.
The leather bound wooden scabbard features antiqued brass fittings and a suspension loop allowing it to be fastened to a belt of baldric.
Total Length: 93.3cm
Blade Length: 78.5cm
Grip Length: 8.5cm
Weight: 1.45kg
Blade Thickness (base): 4.5mm
Blade Thickness (CoP): 3.1mm
Blade Width (base): 4.6cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 9.8cm
Blade: EN45 High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Nut and Riveted
Scabbard: Leather, Wood, Brass
All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.
