Late Viking Sword. A well-preserved late Viking sword measuring 37-inches overall, with a double-edged blade...
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Description
Late Viking Sword.A well-preserved late Viking sword measuring 37-inches overall, with a double-edged blade 31-inches in length. The blade has a single broad fuller running almost to the tip, a hallmark of Viking and transitional early medieval design. The cross guard (quillons) spans 4 1/2-inches, and the grip, measuring 4-inches, remains bare to the metal, showing no covering beyond its iron construction. The pommel is intact, its surface displaying a light verdigris patina from age.
Of particular note are the traditional Viking silver wire inlays, which include a line of silver Christian crosses worked into both sides of the guard. These crosses, set alongside the conventional Viking decorative scheme, mark the weapon as belonging to a warrior who had embraced Christianity. Such features place the sword in the period around 950–1000 A.D., at the close of the Viking Age and the dawn of the medieval era. The combination of Norse craftsmanship and overt Christian symbolism speaks to the cultural and spiritual transition of its owner, making this piece a rare artifact of both martial and religious history. Note: Accompanied by the consignor's binder containing online research and printed reference materials related to the period and to swords of this type. This packet provides useful contextual information to complement the piece being offered.
Condition: In relic state, consistent with excavated Viking swords. The blade shows heavy patination with edge nicks and corrosion, though the fuller remains visible. The guard retains traces of silver inlay, including the crosses, now worn with age. The grip is bare to the metal. The pommel is intact but exhibits surface scratches and edge losses, with original details now obscured by wear. These age-related flaws are typical for a sword of this period and do not detract from the rarity and significance of the piece.
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
November
13th
Thursday
Auction Dates
December
8th
Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
10 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 186
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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