I was approached around a year ago to make an interpretation of the Finnish Princess Sword,using a Damascus steel blade and with attention to detail on the grip.I am aware that Albion will be producing their version,but i think i am right in saying that they will be fitting a bound grip rather than the style of the original,so hopefully no toes stepped on :D
I have used horn and Masur birch for the grip,with inset bronze panels and a bronze central ring,to reflect the original look which appears to be carved bone.
This is really an ongoing project,as i have made patterns for scabbard mounts that will compliment the sword fittings very nicely.This Sword is at present rough assembled to give you an idea of the eventual dynamics of the piece,the fuller extends to around 3" from the tip,it really has a very elegant and beautiful look to the piece as it stands,i may also make the scabbard in Birch for a nice matching set.
I need to invest in a tripod so that i can get some better shots,but i will try and keep this updated as things progress.

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oh wow :surprised: that is beautiful.
I am simply amazed and it isn't even finished (no pun intended) yet.

That is is a beautiful piece!

WOW! Breathtaking sword! I realy like the engravings on the hilt and the finish on the blade!

Skål!

Beautiful sword, I'm interested in learning more about that original which is amazing as well, seems in quite good condition. Why do they call it the "princess" sword, was it found buried with a female skeleton?

J

Truly a magnificent sword. Great work.

Jean:
The sword was found in a grave near the village of Suontaka, Finland. In the grave there were some other weapons and a female skeleton in an armour. The grave and the remains have been dated to about 1000 ad. The remains were found while digging routes for water lines back in 1968.

-mr

Rob,
I wrote you a couple of days ago saying how much I admired your sabre. Well now I am truly bowled over. The Suontaka sword has been a favorite of mine and the job you have done on this is incredible. I take my hat off to you,mate. I am definitly going to get you to make a sword for me as soon as I can afford it.
All the best,
Peter.

I do love pattern welded blades, and this one seems especially beautiful! Well done :)

Thank you all so very much, I am very happy that this project has received such a favourable response,the original is such an extraordinary Sword,unlike anything else from the time period that i know of,it deserves a thoughtful approach in the interpretation,I look forward to finishing the scabbard too.

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Superb work Rob. I'm glad I'm on your list! You're making it hard to settle on a single design! :lol:

Rob-

You've really been on a roll of great viking swords. First the Balinderry, now this. You get better with each one! Fantastic! Keep them coming.....

Can you tell me a bit about the metalurgical composition of the blade? The patterns look a bit like there is some nickel (?) in there?

How much does the sword weigh and what are it's dimensions?

How long is your waiting list :)

Jean

Amazing job mister Miller. Simply amazing. :eek:

Absolutely beautiful. For some reason I've missed the original. I have been in a belief that there are not too many viking swords found in Finland. Shame on me. Guess I should do my homework better ;)

Waiting to see it with scabbard.

Very beautiful! I would love to see your interpetation of it's scabbard and mounts (considering none were found....at least I do not think so)

Quote:

The sword was found in a grave near the village of Suontaka, Finland. In the grave there were some other weapons and a female skeleton in an armour. The grave and the remains have been dated to about 1000 ad. The remains were found while digging routes for water lines back in 1968.

"From Viking to Crusader" has a photograph of this sword along with a few other pieces found in this grave. But the description says nothing about the female skeleton was dressed in armour! I wonder what is meant by that (bits of mail?) Another source, just says

Quote:

From Suontaka and Pahnainmäki, Häme in Finland were found two richly furnished female graves from the Viking period with two swords placed at their feet. Giving archaeological support to the Sagas describing the independent character of Finnish women who were fatal to Swedish Kings.

But these two were not the only female graves found with weapons in them. Which lends credence to what few literary accounts of "Warrior Women" (i.e. Saxo, sagas) mentioning them. But that would be going outside of this thread.

the scabbard mounts are ready to form and cast,but i have not made the Scabbard itself yet,this will take some time,but i shall post back on this thread when that is completed.