Isle of Eigg Viking Sword - Damascus Steel

The hilt of the Isle of Eigg Sword is the finest example of a Viking sword hilt ever found in Scotland and currently resides on the National Museums of Scotland collection. It was discovered on the island of Eigg in the Inner Hebrides by a local farmer whilst levelling a mound. The mound is thought to have contained a pagan burial and also contained bronze bucket mounts, a whetstone and some pieces of the original blade. 

The sword dates from around the 9th or 10th century. All parts of the hilt are richly decorated animal and geometric ornament in panels. Some of the original decoration was inlaid with silver or silver thread.

Our illustration picture is taken from 'Scottish Notes and Queries, vol.3. 1889-1890’.

Our Isle of Eigg Sword replica features a double-edged blade with wide central fuller. The grip, guard and pommel are made of cast bronze. The unsharpened blade is made of well-tempered "Damascus Steel" and is peened at the pommel for durability.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 chevron pattern. Pattern welded swords reflected the high status of those who wielded them and the famous Ulfberht swords were some of the most prized possessions of the Viking era. It comes complete with a leather-wrapped wooden scabbard with similar bronze fittings.