Sword (pieces)

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These pieces of an iron sword with a bronze grip binding was found in the 19th century near the Knowe of Swandro on Rousay in Orkney. It probably is from a Viking grave. The sword was a particularly fine object, although it is in poor condition now.

Originally the sword had silver and bronze inlay on the hilt, though this is preserved separately now. The grip binding is unusual, and was perhaps originally gilt. Remains of wood on the blade show that the sword originally had a wooden scabbard.

The double-edged sword was made in the sophisticated pattern welding technique. Strips of iron and steel were intertwined like strands in a cable, then hammered flat and drawn to an edge. A now illegible inscription is on the blade.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-736-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 191
• Date: Between 850 and 950
  
• Material: Iron
  Sword
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Sword
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Sweindrow
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron sword with silver inlay on hilt, from Sweindrow, Rousay, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 56. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp 88-90. 
• Translations:
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