Details

Object type

arming sword

Place Associated

Germany, North Germany, possibly (place associated)

Date

circa 950

Materials

steel

Dimensions

overall: 700 mm x 130 mm 1060 g

Description

The sword was an essential piece of combat equipment for wealthy warriors and aristocratic males of the Viking period. Good swords were given names, like ‘leg-biter’ and ‘peace-breaker’, and when a warrior died his family or followers would bury him with his sword and other belongings.

This sword is thought to have been found in Germany and dates to the middle of the Viking period, around 950. It bears the inscription ‘Ingelrii’, the name of a famous Frankish swordsmith. During the 10th century the ‘Ingelrii’ name became a brand of superior quality and swords bearing this inscription were in demand.

ID Number

A.1966.17

Location

Kelvingrove Scotland's Early Peoples