Viking Sword

Unknown

10th century · Steel, copper, silver, niello · Arms and Armor

The richly decorated hilt and pattern-welded blade indicate that this sword was carried by a warrior of high rank, perhaps a Viking chieftain or a Frankish nobleman. The braided copper wires on the pommel may represent an earlier Scandinavian custom of tying a protective talisman to a sword hilt. The pattern-welded blade was forged of intertwined rods of steel and iron, a technique that produced a tough yet resilient blade with a distinctive swirling pattern on its surface. Such blades were treasured for both their practical and decorative qualities.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Steel, copper, silver, niello

Culture

European, probably Scandinavia

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1955