I was reading through Byzantine Infantryman by Osprey Publishing when I came across a photo of a sword in the Musée de l'Armée in Paris that the author speculated was probably Byzantine. (He assumed this from the spherical pommel and inscription that resembled Byzantine designs. I don't believe I have ever seen a double edged sword that was confirmed as Medieval Byzantine and wondered what others thought of its provenance.
If someone has better photos or more information, those would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

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Just speaking off the cuff, I'd say that it is highly possible seeing as how Vikings were used in the Verangian (sp) Guard. I would immagine that they would have brought their own sword styles with them.

Well, thanks to Vincent Le Chevalier, who commented that he hadn't seen this sort of diagonal setup anywhere and that it probably had been reorganized into another display, I looked through the excellent Examples from the Musée de l'Armée Paris thread again and I think I may have found it.
[ Linked Image ]
I believe it is the one towards the center, just to the right of the one with the really broad blade.
If anyone has closeups etc they would still be appreciated,
thanks,
Dan

Well, the recent thread about Tinker's lovely replica of a type Y led me to open my copy of SOVA. towards the end I don't view as much....and in the process I was rather embarrassed......there only 2 swords away from the original type Y was the sword I had been seeking :\
My thanks to everyone for their help.....and especially to B. Fulton for getting closeups on his museum tour.
If Mr. Pierce made no mention of a Byzantine connection, I doubt there is one.
Oh well,
Thanks again,
Dan

Just a couple of thoughts.

1. Early byzantine swords were derivative of Roman and early Germanics. I have seen a couple of photos from a salvaged byzantine ship that held very ornate double edged swords.

2. If you look through iconography, there are also examples of straight blade, double edged swords.

Here are a couple of links discussing byzantine weapons as well.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=9014&highlight=

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=8927&highlight=

I'll try to find the link from the byzantine shipwreck. Hope this is helpful.

:cool:

Here is a rendition of Basil II, the Bulgar slayer, with a scabbarded straight edged sword.

http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/HellenicMac..._D21a.html