Rus Viking Sword, Type Petersen D, Gnezdovo, C-2 Barrow, 10th C.

This gorgeous, one-handed Viking Age sword is based upon a find discovered in 1950 on the archaeological complex of Gnёzdovo, near Smolensk, Russia, during the excavation of the C-2 burial mound. Dated between the 9th and 10th c., and classified as a Type D according to Petersen’s Viking sword typology, the original piece lay in a pit beneath the remains of a funeral pyre within the barrow.
While the finely crafted, richly decorated hilt (believed to be the product of a Gotlandic artisan) was still remarkably well preserved, the blade was broken and bent. Despite its rather poor state of preservation, etchings could still be detected on its surface: an "O"-like symbol on one side and the remains of a cross on the other. It is still unclear whether these markings were the swordsmith’s identifiers, or whether they were added at a later stage.
Although its ownership could not be clearly established, the materials and quality workmanship put to use in the crafting of this sword suggest that it likely once was the prestige weapon of a notable Viking Rus' chief or warrior.

The reconstruction we offer here has a straight, double-edged tempered 1060 high carbon steel blade with a broad, long fuller and unsharpened edges. The engravings are reproductions of the markings found on the original blade.
The hilt is composed of a short brass guard, a wooden grip tightly wrapped in brass wire and a generously sized brass pommel. Here too, the guard and pommel closely recreate the intricate motifs and patterns of the original artefact. Just like many historical examples of the time, the sword’s pommel is a two-part construction. The blade’s full tang was driven into the base, runs through the upper cap and is riveted from above. The basis and cap are secured together by means of two rivets.

This early medieval single-handed sword comes complete with a brown wood-and-leather scabbard equipped with a brass chape, a leather upper band with embossed knot / braid pattern, and a beautiful sword belt made of sturdy, 3 mm thick leather. The removable belt features punch holes that make it adjustable to various sizes. It is adorned with the same embossed motifs that grace the scabbard’s throat, and a brass buckle in the shape of knotwork twin snakes or dragons (a recurring motif in Norse/Viking art) adds the final touch to its already exquisite overall appearance.

A superb piece of Viking history.

Please note that this medieval sword is not a battle-ready weapon. It is designed as a collector’s or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.

Details:
- Blade material: tempered 1060 high carbon steel (not stainless)
- Rockwell hardness: approx. 48-52 HRC
- Handle material: brass wire-wrapped wood, cast and antiqued brass guard and pommel
- Overall length: approx. 97.4 cm
- Blade length: approx. 78.8 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Hilt length: approx. 18.6 cm (grip approx. 10 cm)
- Max. blade width: approx. 4.7 cm
- Point of balance: approx. 15 cm from the guard
- Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover, leather belt, and antiqued brass fittings
- Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.35 kg
- Weight with scabbard (incl. belt): approx. 2.1 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the blade on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.