Viking sword
This
rather well-kept sword (inv.# JM 12 987) was found in Höreda parish, county of
Jönköping. As no closer details on the sword could be found, the dating is an
approximation. I would place it in the 9th century, and that the
blade was forged in France. There are a number of faint marks in the fuller (I I
I P’ R I I), which can be interpreted as ”INGELRII”, the name of a
Frankish swordsmith (later possibly the “brand name”). The grip is
remarkably narrow, and the sword is probably intended to be held with three
fingers, the little finger “slipping the pommel”. The balance is good, and
the sword easy to swing. Pommel, upper guard and lower guard (the cross) are
decorated with very fine gold and silver inlay in the form of thin, parallel
stripes. A few millimeters of the point are missing.
Close-up
of the hilt
Close-up of the blade's inscription
As above, but in false colours to enhace
the inscription
Dimensions:
Length: 906 (910?) mm (35.67”)
Blade length: 762 mm (30”)
Blade width: 56 mm at the base (2.2”)
Width of the fuller: c. 25 mm (1”)
Length of grip: 75 mm (3”)
Tang width: 27 mm (1.06“), thickness 5 mm (0.2“)
Pommel and upper guard, height: 47 mm (1.85”), width 78 mm (3.07”)
Lower guard (cross): height: 17 mm (0.67”), width 95 mm (3.74”)
Weight (estimated): 900-1000 grams (c. 2-2 lbs 3 oz)
Point of balance: 120 mm (4.72”) from the cross
Close-ups shot by Örjan Hellqvist
