Product description
This sword dates from the first half of the 10th century AD and was found in Vestre Berg, Norway. According to reports, the grave was discovered in 1887 during deforestation work among some rocks. The original sword is now part of the collection at the Kulturhistorisk Museum (formerly the Universitetets Oldsaksamling) in Oslo, Norway.
The sword had been ritually “killed” and was found alongside a smaller sword, two arrows, an axe head, a sax, and two shield bosses. In addition to these weapons, fishhooks, a chest lock, and a horse bit were also included. The importance of swords in Norse culture is also reflected in the practice of “killing” swords, in which the blade was bent to make the weapon unusable. This action likely had both a ritual and practical function: Vikings were often buried with their weapons, and “killing” a sword could discourage grave robbers from stealing such a valuable item. Archaeological finds of bent or broken swords confirm this practice.
This sword is classified as a Petersen Type S and was made in the first half of the 10th century. Several examples of this type have been found, especially in Denmark and England, some of which feature richly decorated grips.
This replica sword has a broad, semi-sharp blade with a wide fuller. The hilt consists of a grip wrapped in red leather, a short cross-guard slightly curved toward the blade, and a generously shaped five-lobed pommel. Both the cross-guard and pommel are made of bronze and engraved with patterns and motifs that mirror the original. This Viking sword comes with a red wooden/leather scabbard with bronze fittings, as well as a matching sword belt with bronze fittings.
