Here are some snapshots from the National Museum of Ireland in July, 2012. Don't hesitate to ask a question, but be aware that the accompanying captions were quite weak in most cases so I didn't bother to catch those as I was hurrying through. I hope these will be of use.

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Thanks for posting these! I love the gold decorated hilts.

Congrats and thanks, Sean. These are splendid. I take it that the Nat. Mus. now allows photos - it didn't when I was last there a few years ago. Must return.
Neil

It never ceases to amaze me when I see the skulls and bones of the unfortunate fellows who fell to these weapons. Notice how the edges of the solid parts of the skull appear to be sanded smooth. Maybe it's just the angle, but it looks to me like it may have taken multiple blows; one on the front-right and another towards the rear. Talk about overkill. :eek: Did the skull have any info detailing the type of weapon used?

Thanks for posting these, Sean. Some magnificent pieces with some chilling reminders of what they are capable of. Just awesome! :)

Thanks very much for posting these pictures Sean, those of us in the antipodes don't get to see this kind of thing often.

Those ring-hilt sword are stunning.

cheers

mike

Amazing. The sheathes really stood out for me.... what fine work!

Thanks for posting the pictures Sean. Any more pictures that you want to post of the sheaths and scabbards would be most appreciated. This book you are talking about, is it the one that they sell from Esther Cameron or is it something else?

More leather. Those bogs are quite handy!

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I did a double-take when I saw the design on this one. Looked a bit familiar. I'm guessing that the medieval craftsman didn't use a nail set for the dots as I did, but it must have been something pretty close. :D

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Thanks very much for those pics. I'm very surprised to see that both the pommel and guard shown in the viking ( ??) sword..ireland 10.gif ...seem to be partially hollow , Anyone know if this was common ?

That skull is also very impressive..in a very grisly way. I wonder what make such a shearing wound..a sword or broad axe ? If I had to guess..I'd vote for an axe ?

Ralph, yes, many if not most Viking age hilt components are hollow, especially those that appear massive. As to the skull, it appears to me that the damage is the result of at least two blows. Based on my experience cutting deer heads with swords, I would say that such wounds could certainly be caused by a sword. Deer skulls are much, much thicker than human skulls, but a good sharp type X can section one beautifully!
Sean, what can you tell me about the construction of the sheath with decoration similar to yours? Does the seam run along the back or edge? The overall shape of the sheath reminds me of the bronze-reinforced Gotland/Baltic sheaths, but I can not make out a seam along the edge. Thank you for posting these wonderful pics.

Hey, Scott--It's your lucky day! The book referenced above has the details of that sheath.

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Thank you Sean. What a wealth of info, including even the thickness of the leather! I usually do have a lucky day when I ask you a question, you always come through.