Thanks J.D.
actually I have almost shaped the pommel and crossguard for your sword. I will shaping the blade next week - just need to make some pics and post them here to show some progress :)

Here is the first set of pictures from Maciej for your viewing pleasure, comments, and/or questions:

---

 Attachment: 234.79 KB



 Attachment: 156.1 KB



 Attachment: 131.46 KB



 Attachment: 160.13 KB



 Attachment: 125.59 KB



 Attachment: 194.66 KB

The sharpie reference lines are wonderful to see in photographs of work at this stage. This one looks to be progressing nicely.

One decision that needs to be made quickly is whether to attempt to reproduce the original inlay (see picture below). This is what 'sword site' quotes (evidently from the Christie's catalog, which apparently had this word for sale in 1991:

"One side is boldly cut with an abbreviated inscription of four large Lombardic letters "R - - V" and a large cross potent at both ends. The reverse has possible traces of further letters."

This sword has been dated to 1100 which seems about right for the overall form, but a bit late for a type X. From my limited knowledge, inlay was transitioning from iron (mostly on type Xs like this) to silver (on Xa, XI) at this time. The large scrawling letters here seems to suggest the iron type (no longer present). Here's what Christie's said in 1991:

"The epigraphic style found on the present blade is linked to the wider series of blades with inscriptions inlaid in a contrasting soft iron, of which the most well-known are the “Ulfberht” type. The abbreviated inscription on the present blade appears to be as yet unstudied"

Any thoughts on what the inscription says/means?

In terms of reproducing it on my sword, its not a done deal. It was not in the original quote. Funds are not unlimited and I'm not sure if Maciej is comfortable with doing iron inlay at this point in time. Maybe there's no point in getting it half right. A compromise might be to add a couple of crosses in some other metal just to acknowledge the presence of inlay in the original. But I would be interested in hearing some feedback.

---

 Attachment: 93.11 KB

You guys are unusually quiet! We weren't sure about the iron inlay, so I've decided to go ahead with a single cross potent in a metal Maciej is comfortable with. It won't be historically perfect but it's at least a nod to the Christian symbolism on the original.

Single cross done in copper or bronze is not a sophisticated inlay, but on a simple sword it adds much to visual appeal. I can't decipher the original inlay and I know iron inlays are way more work than bronze or copper, so the decision is a logical one.

well, I`m also a fan of simple markings, like the cross potent, for this type of sword. We know some good examples for this and I will post them later.
a little update for this work is that the blade will go to heat treating on days and a pommel and guard are almost finished for now. I will try to get some pictures and send to JD very soon.

Here are some pictures of the engraving, before heat treatment.

Seems that Maciej is working on more than 15 blades right now and then will treat them together. I guess that explains why he is quiet at times and then seems to produce a bunch of swords at once.

---

 Attachment: 145.63 KB



 Attachment: 140.59 KB

Here's the next batch of swords from Maciej. Mine is #4

---

 Attachment: 247.75 KB

Starting to look like a sword...

---

 Attachment: 267.21 KB

And looking fantastic as well. The inlay is going to look spectacular! You sir are a lucky man.

More updates.....................................................................

---

 Attachment: 194.21 KB



 Attachment: 208.49 KB



 Attachment: 283.45 KB

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished sword. I love that type A pommel

This is looking just great! The upward curve of the pommel with the downward curve of the cross is really nice. I'm envious...

Saw this one on his facebook page the other day and thought to myself, "Those are nice proportions on that one." I'm glad to see it's going to someone who will appreciate it.