Russo-Viking Sword, Petersen D Type, Gnezdovo, Tomb C-2, 10th century.

Enjoy a Russian-Viking Sword, Petersen D Type, Gnezdovo, Tomb C-2, 10th Century.

Russian Viking sword, Petersen D type, Gnezdovo, tomb c-2, 10th century



This magnificent one-handed Viking Age sword is based on a find discovered in 1950 at the Gnezdovo archaeological complex near Smolensk, Russia, during the excavation of burial mound C-2. The original piece, dated to between the 9th and 18th centuries and classified as type D according to Petersen’s typology of Viking swords, lay in a pit beneath the remains of a pyre within the burial mound.

While the ornate and finely crafted hilt (presumably the product of a Gotland craftsman) was still remarkably well preserved, the blade was broken and bent. Despite its rather poor state of preservation, engravings can still be found on its surface: an O-shaped symbol on one side and the remains of a cross on the other. It is unclear whether these symbols were the smith's marks or were added later.

It could not be clearly determined to whom the sword belonged. However, the precious materials and high-quality craftsmanship used in the creation of this sword suggest that it may have been the prestige or ceremonial weapon of an important tribal chieftain or elite Russian Viking warrior.



The reconstruction offered here has a straight, double-edged blade made of hardened 1060 carbon steel with a wide, long kerf and unsharpened edges. The engravings are reproductions of the markings found on the original blade.

The handle consists of a short brass cross-piece, a wooden handle section tightly wrapped with brass wire, and a generous brass pommel. Here too, the elaborate motifs and patterns that adorn the original artifact were recreated as faithfully as possible. As with many surviving historical examples from this period, the pommel of this sword is a two-part construction. The tang of the blade is inserted into the base, passed through the top cap, and riveted from above. The base and cap were then connected to each other by two rivets.



This one-handed sword from the early Middle Ages is delivered with a brown wooden/leather scabbard with a brass hood, a muzzle strap with an embossed knot/braid pattern and a beautiful sword belt made of robust 3mm thick leather. The removable belt can be adjusted to different sizes thanks to the punched holes. It features the same embossed motifs that adorn the muzzle of the scabbard, and a brass buckle in the shape of two snakes or dragons (a recurring motif in Norse/Viking Age art) completes the already exquisite overall look.



A great piece of Viking history.



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



Details:

- Blade material: 1060 carbon steel (not stainless), heat treated

- Rockwell hardness of the blade: approx. 48-52 hrc

- Handle material: wood with brass wire wrapping, guard and knob made of cast brass with antique finish

- Total length: approx. 97.4cm

- Blade length: approx. 78.8 cm

- Blade thickness: approx. 5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)

- Handle length: approx. 18.6 cm (handle section approx. 10 cm)

- Maximum blade width: approx. 4.7 cm.
- Center of gravity: approx. 15 cm in front of the guard

- Includes wooden sheath with genuine leather sheath, leather belt and antique finished brass hardware.
- Weight without cover: approx. 1.35kg

- Weight with case (including strap): 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 taking care of the blade regularly, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.



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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