Grave 32 Vendel Chieftain’s Sword - Brass - Damascus Steel

Found whilst excavating a 6^th-7^th century grave at a burial site close to Uppsala in Sweden, this Vendel age sword was undoubtedly owned by a high ranking warrior of chieftain. The Vendel era comes between the Migration Period and Viking Age and their rulers had troops of elite mounted warriors that were well armed with the best weapons and armour available.

Our Vendel Chieftain’s Sword features a highly ornate hilt, a testament to the craftsmen of the period. Like the original Vendela nd Viking swords, it features a two part pommel with a cap secured by twin rivets. This cap is decorated with deep red enamel to replicate the garnet decoration on the original. The stylised “ring” on the pommel, seen on other swords of this type, is symbolic rather than a moving functional component. The hardwood grip is tightly bound with brown leather. The hilt fittings are made from antiqued brass, and feature tin accents – giving the appearance of silver. It features a Damascus steel blade that is designed for hacking and slashing, such was the fighting style of the era.  The leather bound wooden scabbard features antiqued brass fittings and a suspension loop allowing it to be fastened to a belt of baldric.

Total length: 89.5 cm
Blade length: 73.3 cm
Grip length: 11 cm
Weight: 1.45 kg
Blade thickness (base): 4.3 mm
Blade thickness (CoP): 3.4 mm
Blade width (base): 5.1 cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 12 cm
Blade: Damascus Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Nut and Riveted
Scabbard: Leather, Wood, Brass

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.