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

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 Viking Age one-handed sword is based on a find discovered in 1950 at the Gnezdovo archaeological complex, near Smolensk, Russia, during the excavation of barrow C-2. The original piece, dated between the 9th and 20th centuries and classified as type D according to the Petersen 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 Gotlandic 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 was not possible to clearly determine who owned the sword. However, the precious materials and high-quality craftsmanship used in its creation suggest 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 long, wide kerf and unsharpened edges. The engravings are reproductions of the markings found on the original blade.
The handle consists of a short brass crosspiece, a wooden handle section tightly wrapped with brass wire, and a generous brass pommel. Here, too, the elaborate motifs and patterns adorning the original artifact have been 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 blade tang is inserted into the base, passes through the upper cap, and is riveted from above. The base and cap were then connected to each other by two rivets.
This early medieval one-handed sword comes with a brown wooden/leather scabbard with a brass hood, a mouth strap with an embossed knot/braid pattern, and a beautiful sword belt made of sturdy, 3 mm thick leather. The removable belt can be adjusted to different sizes thanks to punched holes. It features the same embossed motifs that adorn the mouth 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's 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 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 regular maintenance of the blade, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.

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