Sword

Add to album

This iron sword, with inlaid silver and copper wire, was found when cutting the Strathspey railway near Gorton in Moray. It is a well-preserved example of a fine Viking double-edged sword. It dates from between 900 and 1000.

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. The end of the blade is damaged.

Swords were highly valued items of Viking men, even plain ones. Some were elaborately decorated. They were used as slashing weapons.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-004-015-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LA 1
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
• Material: Iron; double-edged
  
• Dimensions: 30.50" L
  
• What:
• Subject: Swords (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Moray, Gorton (Strathspey Railway)
  
• Event:
• Description: Viking double-edged iron sword found near the Strathspey Railway, Gorton, Moray
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 105. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 159. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: