Albion Viking Sword ~ 9th Century Appropriate? -- myArmoury.com

Gregory J. Liebau

Hey folks,

Long time, no talk! I've missed browsing sword and armour sites for some time while I was into other hobbies, but I'd like to think of myself as being back and much wiser for it! I plan on pursuing my first high quality sword purchase, and would like it to be an Albion Viking era sword that would be appropriate for use with such items as a reproduction Birka belt and pouch, and other 9th century accoutrement. I want to create a very detailed yet considerably "typical" (as far as we know!) appearance with my kit, including the flavor of the sword. I would appreciate any guiding feedback and resourcefulness that can be pulled from your pockets, and I look forward to the progress of the conversation, my coming back to the forums and especially my collecting!

Cheers!

-Gregory-

Daniel Michaelsson · Posted: Tue 29 Jul, 2008 5:23 am Post subject:

If you want a ninth century look the only sword i'd suggest that you avoid are the Gaddhjalt. The Gaddhjalt is a late transitional design, it wouldn't fit in the 9th century.

Personally I'd go for the Hersir as the Type H spanned most of the viking age.

B. Stark · Industry Professional

I second the Hersir or possibly the Berserkr, though this type is typically Norse, they were used from the Baltic to Iceland. The type H is the most common hilt type and spans from the late 8th to the 11th century. Can't be any more typical than that.

Gregory J. Liebau · Posted: Tue 29 Jul, 2008 11:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys! Between pricing (among other items than just the sword) it looks as though it would be more reasonable to do a later impression after all. Not so many trinkets and a more no-nonsense look about the kit, possibly as a Huscarl or something of that nature from the 10th or 11th century. I'm between the Stamford and Gaddhjalt now. Hmmmmm...

Or if one of the less expensive (less than $800?) swords is ninth century appropriate, that may swing the deal back in the other direction. Any thoughts there?

-Gregory-

Daniel Michaelsson · Posted: Wed 30 Jul, 2008 2:33 am Post subject:

Well, the Thegn is ninth century appropriate and only a little above budget. The Anglo-Saxons and Norse had a great deal of cultural exchange during the viking age, as well as trading alot with each other since much earlier times (much of the Sutton Hoo finds are thought to come from, or at least be inspired by, Vendel period Sweden. If you go back far enough the English are Scandinavians anyway. Anglo-Saxon swords have infrequently been found in Scandinavia, so at least some Norsemen must have taken a liking to the style.

Personally I'd save up a bit more and get a Type H, then you aren't limiting yourself to any sub-period within the Viking age. That's just my opinion, but whichever you choose I hope you enjoy the sword.

You might want to shop around also. Albion swords are great but there are certainly other smiths of equal skill and price. Vladimir Cervenka has a nice range of viking swords, extremely well made and as the Czech Koruny isn't hard currency the price is very reasonable.

Richard Hare · Posted: Wed 30 Jul, 2008 6:51 am Post subject:

I must agree with Daniel's last paragraph.

Vladimir made me an Anglo-Saxon sword, and it is So hard to put down!
I also have one of his "Viking" swords, and it too is a wonderful sword....all hand forged.

Jeremy V. Krause · Posted: Wed 30 Jul, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

Hi Gregory,

I would go for the Stamford if you are still willing to go into the 11th. century. I think that this sword is great and really fits a prominent place in any viking/medieval collection. I must abmit that I love tea cozy pommels though. Happy

If I hadn't have already bought the Reeve I would have gotten the Stamford.

The gaddjhalt is really nice also but has a very different feel than these type X examples. I personally like it But it is a longer blade and feels more like a weapon very appropriate for mounted fighting- at least to me.

Jeremy

James Holczer · Posted: Thu 31 Jul, 2008 7:39 am Post subject:

Gregory,

I have to echo Jeremy’s sentiment about the Stamford. I have one of these little bulldogs of a sword and the wonderful balance, feel and performance of the blade defies it’s rather plain nondescript looks. Within my current collection it has really become my favorite.

So if you are looking for a no nonsense late 10th thru 11th century sword I can’t recommend the Stamford enough. The gaddjhalt is fine but I personally have never been a fan of single handed, short gripped swords with extremely long blades. Those types of swords work best from horseback and the persona that I think you are trying to recreate would probably be more at home fighting from a shield wall where a shorter blade or Dane axe would be more at home.

Jim Holczer
Student - Umbs School of Fence / Martinez Academy of Arms

Gregory J. Liebau · Posted: Thu 31 Jul, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

Hey guys, thanks for all of the additional input! It's really appreciated. Big Grin

After some consideration about the overall available balance and the fact that I really want an Albion blade I've decided that the Stamford will probably be my purchase. Don't get me wrong, I am fascinated by custom work, but I've never had a high quality production sword and am sure I would be very pleased with getting one of these pieces. I'll report back after I've made the purchase and let people know how wonderful the moment is for me when it arrives! Cheers!

-Gregory-

(p.s. If I doubly-double check my monetary allowance, which I may do again, I have been privately contacted about getting a squire line weapon and upgrading it, which does sound intriguing... But the Stamford sounds like the safe and nice bet!)

Jeremy V. Krause · Posted: Thu 31 Jul, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject:

Good choice,

I also think that the Squire Line is nice but I can't personally get past the secondary bevel thing. With the Next Gen's you getting the more authentic edge geometry which is a plus.

Jeremy