Anglo-Saxon Fetter Lane Sword, 8th Century, Category B Tinned Hilt

Anglo-Saxon Fetter Lane Sword, 8th Century, Tinned Hilt

Anglo-Saxon fetter lane sword with scabbard, 8th century
This magnificent Anglo-Saxon one-handed sword is based on the remains of an original artifact (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 in the British Museum, London, today. Due to its construction, shape, 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 classic (broad, straight, double-edged) early medieval-style blade was selected for this detailed reconstruction of the Fetter Lane sword. It is made of heat-treated EN45 spring steel and has a wide groove on both sides that extends almost to the tip. The parallel cutting edges are unsharpened. The richly decorated handle, made of brass, is tin-plated to give it a silvery appearance. Like the original, it consists of several pieces riveted together. The filigree motifs adorning the museum piece have been reproduced as faithfully as possible. The top cap of the pommel consists of an arched central element, framed on both sides by three smaller beads with wire patterns. The pommel base and guard are in three parts with diagonal decorative fluting and an interlayer of untinned brass. The lavishly decorated handle features different intertwined 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 is delivered with a brown wooden/leather scabbard with a wooden belt loop (maximum belt width 5cm) and a tinned brass mouthpiece 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.

Details:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), tin-plated brass handle
- Total length: approx. 94cm
- Blade length: approx.
- Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Handle length: approx. 15 cm (handle section approx. 8.5 cm)
- Maximum width
Blade length: approx. cm in front of the guard - Includes wooden sheath with genuine leather sheath, wooden carrying strap
and tinned brass fittings
- Weight without case: approx.
Weight with cover: approx. 2 kg

A Damascus steel version of this sword is also available in our shop (item no. 0116041301).

Details:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), tin-plated brass handle
- 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. 12 cm in front of the guard
- Includes wooden case with genuine leather sheath, wooden carrying strap, and tin-plated brass hardware.
- Weight without cover: approx. 1.6kg
- Weight with case: approx. 2 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 regularly maintaining the blade and sheath, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.


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