Vendel Sword “UPPSALA” – Reconstruction of an Elaborate Boat-Grave Find
The Vendel sword “UPPSALA” is a reconstruction of a finely crafted and richly decorated sword discovered in a boat grave at a ship burial site near Uppsala, Sweden. The historical artefact is dated to the 7th–8th century and therefore belongs to the Vendel Period, the era of Swedish history between the Migration Period and the Viking Age.
Because of its elaborate and sophisticated decoration, the original sword is believed to have been a prestige or ceremonial weapon belonging to a Swedish tribal prince, nobleman or elite warrior. Numerous finds from the Vendel Period demonstrate the remarkable quality of craftsmanship achieved during this era.
Nordic One-Handed Sword with EN45 Spring Steel Blade
In its overall form, the sword is a classic example of a Nordic one-handed weapon. Its straight, double-edged blade is forged from EN45 spring steel and features a broad fuller.
The cutting edges are unsharpened. The full blade tang extends through the hilt and is peened at the pommel. No reenactment combat classification is specified for this model. It is expressly designed as a collector's and decorative piece as well as a historical prop.
Tinned Brass Hilt Based on the Historical Original
The richly decorated hilt is one of the sword's most distinctive features. The highly detailed engraved motifs and patterns on the guard and pommel have been reproduced as closely as possible from those decorating the original artefact.
Both guard and pommel are cast from brass and then tinned, creating a silver-coloured appearance. Selected brass accents with an antiqued finish provide an attractive contrast.
As seen on many surviving Vendel-period swords, the pommel consists of several components riveted together. Its upper cap is inlaid with red enamel designed to evoke the appearance of genuine garnet stones used on prestigious historical objects.
Wooden Grip with Brown Leather Wrapping
The grip has a wooden core wrapped in brown leather. Combined with the silver appearance of the tinned brass, antiqued brass accents and red enamel inlay, it creates an elaborate hilt that reflects the prestigious nature of the historical model.
Wood-and-Leather Scabbard with Tinned Fittings
The sword comes complete with a brown scabbard featuring a wooden core covered in genuine leather. A wooden belt passage accommodates belts up to approximately 5 cm wide.
The scabbard mouth and chape are made from tinned brass, continuing the silver-coloured appearance of the sword's hilt.
Collector's Piece and Historical Prop
“UPPSALA” is primarily designed as a collector's and decorative item. Its elaborate Vendel-period appearance also makes it an impressive prop for historical costumes and portrayals as well as photography, theatre, film or television.
As no reenactment combat classification is specified for this sword, it should not be used for reenactment fighting or direct blade-to-blade contact.
Details
-
Type: Scandinavian Vendel sword / one-handed sword
-
Model: UPPSALA
-
Historical model: Richly decorated boat-grave find from a ship burial site near Uppsala, Sweden
-
Date of the original: 7th–8th century
-
Blade material: EN45 spring steel / carbon steel, not stainless
-
Blade: Double-edged, unsharpened
-
Blade profile: Broad fuller
-
Tang: Full tang, peened at the pommel
-
Guard: Cast brass, tinned
-
Pommel: Multi-part riveted brass construction, tinned
-
Decoration: Detailed engravings, antiqued brass accents and red enamel inlay
-
Grip: Wooden core wrapped in brown leather
-
Overall length: approx. 89.5 cm
-
Blade length: approx. 73 cm
-
Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm
-
Cutting edges: approx. 1 mm
-
Hilt length: approx. 16.5 cm
-
Grip section: approx. 11 cm
-
Guard: approx. 9 cm long and 1.5 cm thick
-
Maximum blade width: approx. 5 cm
-
Point of balance: approx. 11.5 cm in front of the guard
-
Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.4 kg
-
Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.8 kg
-
Scabbard: Wooden core covered in genuine brown leather
-
Scabbard fittings: Tinned brass mouth and chape
-
Belt passage: Wood, suitable for belts up to approx. 5 cm wide
-
Scope of delivery: Vendel sword including scabbard
The stated dimensions, weights and other specifications may vary slightly from one item to another.
Care Instructions
The EN45 spring steel used for the blade is not stainless and may occasionally show slight traces of corrosion. Protect the blade from moisture, clean it regularly and dry it thoroughly. Applying a thin coat of suitable maintenance oil, such as Ballistol, will help prevent corrosion. The scabbard should also be regularly inspected and maintained, and the sword should not be stored in a damp leather scabbard for extended periods.
Age Restriction
This item is sold only to persons aged 18 years or older. Please provide your date of birth during the ordering process. Suitable proof of age is also required.
Safety Notice
The blade is unsharpened, but the product may still have sharp cutting edges, edges or points. Improper or careless use may result in injury.
German
