I just finished up this Trewhiddle style Anglo-Saxon sword, based on an Albion Thegn blade. More pictures can be found in this gallery:

http://gallery.me.com/christianfletcher1#100993

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:eek: Wow. Wow, that looks simply amazing Christian. If they had a drool icon I would have used that. The whole package looks great. I can hear my bank acounts groaning now after seeing that. Keep up the awe inspiring work.

Scott

Amazing! Beautiful! and all other such adjectives in all languages.

Gasp! :eek: My goodness that is lovely. I'm really, really impressed. I knew you were good Christian, but DAMN! Whoever this is going to is sure gonna be happy!

Christian, that is a sword of sagas. It exemplifies everything about about the culture and place, it seems it must me an artifact from Stamford Bridge. I just can't help but picture it on the hip of a warrior riding across Iceland in biting sleet, frozen, but confident for nothing else but the steel at his side. Truly exceptional work, and something deserving many days of envy.

Wow. Just wow.

I want one. :)

Wow, Christian. Your work never ceases to amaze me! This spectacular.

:cool:

Mike

Uh, yeah, I was going to post pics as an update to my wedding sword project, I think I will wait to do that, cause there is no way its competing with this craftmanship!!

Excellent work sir!

Simply fabulous. This unquestionably illustrates that a sword can be aesthetically beautiful and functional at the same time. Outstanding work, Christian.

Christian, as usual, you inspire. Great job.

Love the pig strap bridge. Its beutiful.

I am awestruck. it is brilliant.

Great work, very much amazing. :D :cool:

Ditto!

Just ditto.

"I may not know much about art, but I know what I like."

And I like that. Stunning.

I found an article on the web auf Deutsch with the subject "An Anglo-Saxon sword found near the River Maas in the province of Limburg" There were very nice line drawings with excellent detail, especially in regards to hiltwork. As most of my background is English, and I was born in Cambridge,England, I have a particular interest in the Petersen "L" type hilt. I called Christian, and asked him if we could put such a project together. We had just finished a Mainz gladius replicating a find from the Varrusschlacht at the Kalkriese near Osnabrueck. Mike at Albion graciously supplied an unassembled Thegn (which his boss no longer allows him to do), and Christian and I went to work. The only Albion components used were the blade (which was aged to appear pattern-welded), and the lower guard. christian made everything else. Much discussion went on, some changes were made from the original concept (such as my request for adding a boar bridge for the baldric, I wanted a change from the earlier bridge he had done for me on the Albion Huskarl). I do not think this weapon has been reproduced except by Christian and myself. It did not come cheap, and although I was anxious to feel the sword in hand, I did not rush Christian. He is an artist. We only work on historical recreations, as my degree is History, and my greatest passion is the Anglo-Saxon-Viking Age. Our next "L" type will be the Gilling West sword found in Yorkshire. I recommend that one forget the swords seen on TV and at the movies. Dig into some books; search the internet. Ask Christian if it can be done. He makes my archaeological dreams come to fruition. Good Hunting. Albert

Tim, Very nicely spoken, and well put. Yet, I would suggest this Trewhiddle Christian and I created to be more from the Ashdown-Maldon era, rather than Stamford Bridge. The "L" Type hilts are presumed to be circa 9th to 10th centuries, as you may already know. As such, they were high end Thegn, or Ealdorman blades. Not the weapon of the ceorl, who must have contented themselves with spear and seax. This south Saxon blade is indeed a Sword of Sagas. Christian and I are both keen to get going on our Gilling West project. But, by the time 1066 had rolled around these beautiful, ornate weapons had given way to brazil-nut, tea cosy, and wheel pommels. A pity really, but simplicity had won over the artistic. Albert

Everything Christian Fletcher touches turns into a treasure. I honestly didn't think an Albion could be improved that much. :)

A treasure fit for Beowulf and Hrothgar!

I like how it is tastefully-antiqued. It is almost like a VERY well-preserved original, much in the vein of the St. Maurice- Vienna sword...

That's a truly impressive piece!

Is the etching on the strap ends and hilt components meant to evoke the use of niello? Also is the grip bone? I believe so nut am just checking.

Very nice indeed- I know that it is a lively little sword to which must be especially nice!

Thanks for sharing this!
Jeremy