Viking Sword “DYBÄCK DAMASCUS” – Petersen Type Z with Damascus Blade
The Viking sword “DYBÄCK DAMASCUS” is based on an important archaeological find discovered around 1870 in a peat bog at Dybäck – also known as Dyback, Dybek or Dybeck – in Scania. During the Viking Age, this region was still part of Denmark, although it is now located in Sweden. The original sword is preserved at the Historiska Museet in Stockholm under inventory number SHM 4515.
The upper section of the historical pommel is missing. However, the grip originally wrapped in gold wire, the lower section of the pommel and the guard made from gilded silver, as well as the scabbard throat that has fused to the guard over time, remain remarkably well preserved.
An Exceptional Petersen Type Z Sword
The archaeological find dates to approximately AD 1000 and is classified as Petersen Type Z. Because of its sophisticated craftsmanship and elaborate decoration, it is regarded as one of the particularly striking Viking Age swords discovered in Scandinavia.
The surviving hilt components are richly engraved with intertwined birds, snakes, fantastical creatures and tendrils. These animal and plant ornaments correspond to the Anglo-Saxon Winchester Style, which was used between the 8th and 11th centuries.
The decoration suggests either an English origin or a strong influence from English metalwork. As the Winchester Style was particularly popular among Scandinavian nobles who maintained extensive contacts with England during the late 10th and early 11th centuries, and considering the precious materials and exceptional workmanship of the original, the sword is believed to have been a prestige or ceremonial weapon belonging to a wealthy Nordic nobleman or another high-status individual.
Unsharpened Damascus Steel Blade
This reconstruction features a straight, double-edged Damascus steel blade. A broad fuller extends along much of the blade, giving it the characteristic appearance of a Nordic one-handed sword.
The edges are supplied unsharpened. The Damascus steel used for the blade is carbon steel and is not stainless.
Elaborately Reconstructed Brass Hilt
The hilt consists of a short guard with a slight downward curve, a grip section tightly wrapped with brass wire and a generously proportioned pommel with a slightly upward-curving base and three-lobed cap.
The engraved motifs on the guard and pommel base have been reproduced as closely as possible from the surviving decoration of the original artefact. The guard and pommel of this reconstruction are made from cast brass.
Historical Two-Part Pommel Construction
As seen on many surviving swords from this period, this model features a two-part pommel. The full-length blade tang is screwed into the lower pommel section, while the upper three-lobed cap is secured to the base with two rivets.
Wooden and Leather Scabbard with Brass Fittings
A brown scabbard with a wooden core and genuine leather covering is included. The throat, chape and belt passage are made from antique-finished brass and visually complement the hilt.
The belt passage accommodates belts up to approximately 6 cm wide.
Collector's Piece and Historical Prop
The Viking sword “DYBÄCK DAMASCUS” is designed as a collector's and decorative piece. Its elaborate historical appearance also makes it well suited as a prop or as an addition to a Viking Age or early medieval costume.
No reenactment or stage-combat classification is specified for this model. Its unsharpened edges should therefore not be interpreted as approval for reenactment combat or direct blade contact.
Details
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Type: Viking sword / early medieval one-handed sword
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Model: DYBÄCK DAMASCUS
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Historical model: Dybäck find from Scania
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Discovered: around 1870
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Date: approx. AD 1000
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Typology: Petersen Type Z
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Original: Historiska Museet Stockholm, SHM 4515
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Historical ornamentation: Winchester Style
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Blade material: Damascus steel / carbon steel, not stainless
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Blade: Straight, double-edged and unsharpened
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Blade profile: Broad fuller
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Grip: Wrapped with brass wire
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Guard: Cast brass, slightly downward curved
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Pommel: Cast brass, two-part construction with three-lobed cap
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Construction: Full-length blade tang screwed into the lower pommel section
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Overall length: approx. 92 cm
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Blade length: approx. 74 cm
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Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm
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Edge thickness: approx. 1 mm
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Hilt length: approx. 18 cm
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Grip section: approx. 9.5 cm
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Maximum blade width: approx. 4.5 cm
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Point of balance: approx. 12.5 cm in front of the guard
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Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.1 kg
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Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.7 kg
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Scabbard: Wooden core covered in genuine leather
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Scabbard fittings: Antique-finished brass
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Maximum belt width: approx. 6 cm
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Intended use: Collecting, decoration, prop and costume use
The stated dimensions, weights and other specifications may vary slightly from one item to another.
About Damascus Steel
Damascus steel is a composite material made by combining two or more different types of steel through repeated forge welding and folding. Traditionally, steels with differing properties are joined in order to combine their respective characteristics. The layered construction also creates the distinctive visible pattern associated with Damascus blades. The exact pattern may vary slightly from one blade to another, giving each piece an individual appearance.
Scope of Delivery
- Viking sword “DYBÄCK DAMASCUS”
- Brown wooden and leather scabbard with brass throat, chape and belt passage
Care Instructions
The Damascus blade is made from non-stainless carbon steel and may show slight traces of corrosion. Protect the blade from moisture and clean and thoroughly dry it after handling or use. Regularly applying a thin coat of suitable weapon or universal oil such as Ballistol will help protect the steel surface against corrosion. The scabbard should also be cared for regularly and stored in dry conditions.
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 edges are supplied unsharpened. However, the product may still have sharp cutting edges. Improper or careless use may result in injury.
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