So that's the question.

What do people think? I don't know- but something tells me this may be true. . . .
Jeremy

Hi Jerome,
I don't think baldrics are fantasy, as Peter said muddy waters indeed, but I do think that there is enough contempary AS manuscript illustrations to give provenance for the use of baldrics. If only I had a scanner at home I could provide you with some illustrations!!! Also see the Bayeux Tapestry for rat io of swords on baldrics to swords worn under the maile with the grip poking through a hole in the maille.

I tend to wear my sword on a baldric and scabbard suspension, but with my waist belt looped around the baldric , this method keeps the sword high, and prevents the annoying habit of the scabbard entangling the legs.

best

Dave

Sorry Jerome,
My last reply may have being mis-leading, suffice to say the Bayeux Tapestry shows swords slung I) at the waist with no indication of method of suspension, which mean either waist or baldric suspension and 2) sword grip worn under maile with no indication of suspension.

Other art from North Western Europe shows both waist suspension and baldric suspension but detail is sadly lacking.

For a discussion on baldric suspension and scabbards, and Possible methods of suspension see J.Kim Siddorn's 'Viking Weapons and Warfare''

best

Dave

They have apparently found the remains of what they believe to be a Viking baldric in an Icelandic (I think) burial. Christian Fletcher sells a replica of what it is thought to be at http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fl...ldric.html

My apologies for misremembering the source. :blush: It was not from an Icelandic burial but from a grave on the Isle of Man. Please see this thread:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=12131

they are mentioned in litterateur (assuming the translation is valid). they are also shown in post viking art.

Mmm I don't know if you can get a hold of an image of the 11th C Anglo Saxon manuscript Cotton Tiberius CVL that shows an warrior with a baldric suspension,

Also a further 10/11th C image shows a warrior with a sword suspension very similair to the Sutton Hoo style waist belted suspension Bodleian library manuscript Junius 11.

I think the conclusion must be that both types of suspension where in use in the late Viking Age.

Best
Dave

The thread on Viking sword suspensions has a link, recently posted, to another replica of the Icelandic Viking baldric from Manning Imperial but they want 400 Australian dollars for it. That works out to $348 US. The basic Christian Fletcher version is $145 US plus extra for special dye and for hand-forged fittings.

http://manningimperial.com/item.php?item_id=4...mp;c_id=54

http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fl...ldric.html