Ideas, sugestions, HELP! for 6th C. sword -- myArmoury.com

Greg Griggs

Hey all,
I've been doing a lot of historical research recently on 5th-7th C. Scotland. As everyone knows, there really isn't a lot from that era excepting what we find from a few Roman holdouts and of course the writings of a couple of "Saints", whom hated the Celts with a passion. I'd like to commission a sword from that time; specifically mid 6th C. that a Celt/Pict would have used, but have no idea if any sword makers have done the research into the era and could make a historical piece. Anyone out there know who I may contact? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Greg

Shawn Shaw · Posted: Tue 16 May, 2006 3:16 pm Post subject:

Have a look at Oakeshott's The Archaeology of Weapons pg. 107. The Behmer Type 4 was used throughout Europe , was found in English grave-sites and is of the right period. I know it's not Scottish/Pictish but it's probable that the Picts did use swords like these, even if they were only scavenged weapons/trophies. As for Pictish-made swords, you're right...that's not easy information to come by.

I haven't had time to look beyond that but I'll keep my eyes open. I'm sure someone more qualified than myself will be along shortly with some insights.

Good luck!

Alexander Ren · Posted: Tue 16 May, 2006 8:28 pm Post subject:

Here are a couple of guys who know what they are doing:

http://www.templ.net/who_is_patrick_barta.php
Specifically:
http://www.templ.net/weapons/antiquity_and_ea...ge.php#A14
http://www.templ.net/weapons/antiquity_and_ea...ge.php#A17

http://www.powning.com/jake/commish/swords.shtml
Specifically the second, fourth, eigth, nineth, and tenth swords

Enjoy,
Alex

Greg Griggs · Posted: Wed 17 May, 2006 8:29 am Post subject:

Thanks guys, I'll check out your suggestions. Shawn, from what I've gleaned you are quite correct that they would have picked up a lot of Europeon made stuff; partly because the iron in the upper UK was of poor quality. Alex, Patrick Barta was on my list but I hadn't seen those specific blades. Thanks again.

B. Stark · Industry Professional

It's my understanding that the safe bet is swords more along the lines of similiar Irish weapons of the same era. So called sub-Roman gladii and spatha type weapons. Certainly some continental and British equipment filtered in. I guess it's all in what you want to portray. The Angles were invading southern Scotland at this time as well so a certain amount of Germanic inspired equipment might have been available for the gleaning. The typical Pictish weapons of this era probably didn't top 30" in length, organic hilt components, somewhat anthropomorphic in design. "Grooved" swords might also be a possibility. Though the only extant blade of this type was found in Ireland. Good luck with the pursuit! It's an era that I'm interested in as well...