Anglo-Saxon Fetter Lane Sword, 8th Century, Damascus Steel

Fetter Lane Anglo-Saxon Sword, 8th Century, Damascus Steel

Anglo-Saxon fetter lane sword with scabbard, 8th century, Damascus blade



This magnificent Anglo-Saxon one-handed sword is based on the remains of an original artefact (the upper part of a sword hilt, including the pommel) that was unearthed during building work in Fetter Lane, London (hence the name) and donated to the British Museum in 1893. The original silver-gilt find, remarkably well preserved and beautifully detailed, is an absolutely unique piece of middle Anglo-Saxon history that can still be admired today in the British Museum in London. Due to its construction, form and sophisticated ornamentation, this finely crafted masterpiece dates back to the late 8th century. It is believed to have been part of the prestige or ceremonial weapon of a wealthy warrior or nobleman of Germanic descent.



Since the blade is missing from the original archaeological find, a classical (broad, straight, double-edged) early medieval style blade was selected for this detailed reconstruction of Fetter Lane's sword. It is made of Damascus steel* and has a wide groove on both sides that extends almost to the tip. The parallel cutting edges are not sharpened. The richly decorated handle is cast from brass. Like the original, it consists of several pieces riveted together. The filigree motifs that adorn the museum piece have been reproduced as faithfully as possible. The upper cap of the pommel consists of an arched central element, which is framed on both sides by three smaller beads with wire patterns. The pommel base and guard are constructed in three parts with diagonal decorative striations and an intermediate layer of tinned brass. The lavishly decorated handle features different interlaced plant/leaf and animal motifs on each side (writhing snakes on one side and a bird or eagle-like creature on the other).



This early medieval one-handed sword comes with a brown wooden/leather scabbard with a wooden belt loop (maximum belt width 5 cm) and a brass muzzle and cap.



This sword is designed as a collector's item or decorative object and is also ideal as an accessory, for example to complete your costume.



A regular version of this sword with an EN45 spring steel blade is also available in our shop (item no. 0116041300).



Details:

- Material: Damascus steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), brass handle with tinned details
- Total length: approx. 94cm

- Blade length: approx. 79 cm

- Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)

- Handle length: approx. 15 cm (handle section approx. 8.5 cm)

- Maximum blade width: approx. 4.5 cm.
- Center of gravity: approx. 13 cm in front of the guard

- Includes wooden case with genuine leather sheath, wooden carrying strap and brass hardware.
- Weight without cover: approx. 1.65kg

- Weight with case: approx. 2.1 kg



The above specifications may vary slightly from specimen to specimen.



The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend that you take care of the blade and sheath regularly, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.



*The term Damascus steel , Damascus steel or simply Damascus refers to a composite steel made from two or more different types of steel. The name is derived from the Syrian city of Damascus, which is considered an ancient stronghold and the origin of Damascus steel production. Typically, a hard, high-carbon steel and a soft, low-carbon steel are joined together by repeated welding and forging. The high-carbon steel provides higher hardness, better hardenability, and increased edge retention, while the softer steel gives the blade greater elasticity and higher resistance to breaking. With this technology, which was developed in a time of poor and changing steel qualities, the positive properties of different steels can be combined. Due to the different colors with different carbon contents, impressive patterns of alternating layers are created, such as the so-called twist Damascus or rose Damascus . Due to these patterns, Damascus swords from the Middle Ages were said to have an inherent magic.



Please note:

This item is only sold to persons over 18 years of age. Please enter your date of birth on our order form. We also require a copy of your ID, driving licence or similar by email, scan, fax or post.

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