About  Links  Search  Contribute 

 Features  Reviews  Collections  Albums  Forums  Books 

Photos from Patrick Kelly's Collection: (Click to enlarge)

Hanwei Short-bladed Spear

Original: Vendel Period (Pre-Viking: Late 6th-Early 8th Centuries)

The Nordic cultures held the spear in high regard, and the spear was the primary weapon of hand-to-hand combat. This spearhead is an example from Hanwei and represents a type in use during the Vendel period. It is based on an example found in Sweden and shows a well-made and representative piece from the culture.

This type of spear also saw use during the later Viking Age. Vikings were known for their love of blending weapons and art, often using a process known as "Niello" to decorate their weapons. In this process, an alloy of several metals and sulfur was mixed and rubbed into a pattern, then fired black. This reproduction captures the spirit of that look well.

Weight: 10 ounces
Overall length: 7'
Overall head length: 9.5"
Blade length: 6"
Width at widest point: 1.875"

Maker: CAS Iberia / Hanwei of China