LOT 0335

Viking Iron Sword with Three-Lobed Pommel

10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

36 1/2 in. (848 grams, 92 cm).

Comprising a two-edged blade with broad fuller and rounded tip, narrow lower guard with rounded outer ends, broad tang, lobed pommel of Type U with cocked-hat profile and lower guard, traces of silvering.

From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12356-225922.

Cf. Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987; the sword finds parallels in various similar Viking age specimens of T variant, published by Petersen (especially with the sword from Utgården, Seliord, Telemark, p.151, fig.121), or types S and T published by Peirce (specimens C16430 and C18454-C3210 & C3211, pp.106-109) and Sedov (pl.CXXIII no.11).

Petersen considered this type of Viking sword similar to the previous types R and S, but with differences in the pommel and cross-guard. The traces of silver ornaments on the guard and pommel are artistically consistent with archaeological examples of decorative work from the geographic region or estimated cultural point of origin, probably Eastern Scandinavia or the Baltic areas.