This is a pattern welded sword (circa 11th century AD) of blade type X by Oakeshott's nomenclature. It is housed in a leather covered, fleece-lined ash scabbard with sterling silver mounts.

The leather girding system was reproduced from woodcuts and other documentary medieval evidence, not to mention an actual 12th century example found a century ago in a church. It works very well, is comfortable and causes the sword to tend toward a slight rearward angle. The hilt is sterling silver with enameled fine silver panels using an ancient technique called Champleve.

The blade is 33 1/2 inches long and represents the classic celtic/viking construction (Four twisted/counter twisted damascus bars with pattern welded edge that continues around the point). The sword weighs 2.5 pounds.

Alloys used: 1095, 1075, 15N20. According to Oakeshott, this style of pattern welding in swords seems to have ceased around 1000 AD. The disc pommel, while associated with later periods, first appears around 980 AD.        (Steel, Sword and Sheath by Joe Caswell)