Hello! What do you think which of these two swords would be more typical and better representative of a 9th century viking sword? I like both of them and can't decide which one to buy. Dimensions are the same and there would be just a minor difference in weight because of the different fittings. I would like that the sword could represent viking sword through entire 9th century. Fuller on the lobated hilt sword could be made to go from inside the crossguard.

A closer pic, to see the riveting would help.-

Triangular pommel with stripes (type A) is more representative of the 8th century if it's plain iron. If it has some non iron decorations (Type 1), it might be found until the middle of the 9th century.

The other pommel (Type K) is found from the very beginning until the end of the 9th century. As far as I know, there are no findings of plain iron pommels of this kind.- (See if you can get it in bronze or brass and, if it's worth paying for it, with copper or silver inlays)
I think one of this kind would be the best choice.-

According to Petersen, this kind of pommel is of Frankish origin, brought to norway by the viking raids (This can be of use if you want to create a story for a reenactment character). It should be of two components if it's on the early 9th century, and it might be of two, if its in the second half of the centuty.- This is why riveting is important

Greetings

Andrés.-

Dear Luka,

The bottom sword appears to modeled on the famous 9th century sword housed in Dublin, for example see the picture on the cover of Ian Peirce's book. The handle appears to be lengthened, among other minor variations.

The top sword looks like it could have been modeled on any number of Peterson type H swords, which would fit in the 9th century, although strictly speaking I think the two vertical cuts on the pommel would make it an earlier type A form. The guard looks rather angular where it should be more smoothly boat-shaped I think to represent the norm.

Thus, in overall style, but not details, they seem to be fitting the era you are looking for.

However I would be worried about the blades if you are looking for something really historical. Those narrow fullers look decidedly un-viking to me. Also the odd way the fuller terminates near the guard on the bottom sword puts me off.

I'm not familiar with this maker - are these stage blunts? They have that look.

I guess it depends what you want them for - a general look that is recognizable from far or accurate details.

-JD

I don't have any other pictures but as these swords are not very expensive (about 200 euros) I would say the pommels are one piece. Tangs are peened. I will try to find out if type K pommel could be made of bronze or brass and what would be the price of inlays. Swords in the picture are blunt but my would be sharp, for cutting. There is no viking reenactment here in Croatia, I would just like to have a sword as accurate as possible for my period of interest regarding Vikings and I would like it not to be very expensive due to my financial situation. :\ Thank you very much Andres, your reply was very helpful. :)

You're welcome n_n

If there's no viking group around, and you want one... then consider beginning one on your own... That's what I did three years ago =P

Luka, how about the Del Tin 2100 (type H) pictured here? Isn't this in a similar price range? It's on the heavy side, but looks more historically accurate to me and should represent the era you want.

http://www.deltin.net/2100.htm

Or for a little more, Albion's squire line type H, which would likely be a much sweeter performer.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...viking.htm

And finally, here, a much nicer reproduction of the Dublin sword, for a little more again:

http://www.viking-shield.com/ (go to weapons, then albion)

[Of course it's always easy to spend someone else's money :) ]

Albions are not available to me because of the high taxes on anything of such price that comes across the border unfortunately. I thought about Del Tins, they are available as well as Berbekucz in a local shop here, I already have 2 of them, but they are about 360 euros and Berbekucz swords are about 200, 210 euros and that is what makes a decision for me right now. Fuller will be made to go in the cross but it will have to stay narrow unfortunately. I just have to find out if type K pommel could be made of bronze. And for reenactment, I actually thought about starting a group, I might try it next summer.

That's understandable. I also hate paying customs taxes and prefer to support my local economy. But I'm surprised that you have to pay so much for Del Tins in Europe, I would have thought they'd be cheaper.

Just for the sake of comparison (or for someone else reading this) here are some similar swords (quasi H, or B,C?) on the lower end of the price range that are readily available in North America:

http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~IP03...+Sword.htm

http://www.darksword-armory.com/swords3.html

Windlass and CI don't seem to have anything in that line right now.

I'm not the expert on this subject, but the previous comments about construction and ornamentation seem to be on target.
I personally would have a preference towards the second, lower sword model as being a little closer because of the ornamentation.

Attached is an image from Arador Armor Library, images of Royal Museum of the Army of and Military History in Brussels, Belgium, by Eli Steenput. Similar shapes dates back to Merovingian era images, but the ornamentation is more 9th century. This particular one is considered Carolingian in origin.

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Have you considered Sword-Gur ?

This maker is selling very decent looking and sweet handling viking swords for under 200 euro.

I own or owned a couple of his swords (including the V005) and I was extremely satisfied with what I got, considering the low price.

http://www.sword-gur.com/

Good morning, Luka,

...and Happy New Year!

I do not suppose the swords of Vladimir Cervenka would come to you from the Czech republic without tax problems, otherwise I would have suggested you looking at his work.
I got a Viking style from him about a year ago, and at that time, the price was around Eu 250.
I love his work. The finish is not as high as some, but neither is the price! and all parts are hand forged and rivited in the right manner.
I think the swords you are looking at would be ok. if you could get a wider fuller.
The fuller is where many seem to fall down on making these swords.

Best wishes,

Richard.