Viking Sword “DYBÄCK” – Petersen Type Z from the Early 11th Century
The Viking sword “DYBÄCK” is based on an exceptional 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 formed part of Denmark, while today it lies in Sweden. The original sword is preserved at the Historical Museum (Historiska Museet) in Stockholm under inventory number SHM 4515.
The find is dated to approximately AD 1000 and classified as Petersen Type Z according to Jan Petersen's typology of Viking swords. With its precious materials and exceptionally elaborate ornamentation, the original is regarded as a particularly magnificent example of Viking Age sword craftsmanship.
An Exceptionally Well-Preserved Viking Find
Although the upper section of the original pommel is missing, remarkable parts of the historical hilt have survived. These include the grip wrapped in gold wire as well as the lower pommel section and guard, both made from gilded silver on the original. The scabbard mouth fitting has also survived and became fused to the guard over time.
The elaborate decoration is particularly striking. Intertwined birds, serpents, fantastic creatures and tendrils cover the surviving hilt components.
Winchester Style and Possible English Influence
The animal and plant ornamentation corresponds to the Anglo-Saxon Winchester style of the 8th to 11th centuries. This suggests that the historical sword may have originated in England or was at least strongly influenced by English metalworking traditions.
This decorative style was particularly popular among the Scandinavian nobility, who maintained extensive contacts with England during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Combined with the precious materials and exceptional craftsmanship of the original, this has led to the assumption that the sword was a prestigious or ceremonial weapon belonging to a wealthy Norse nobleman or another person of high status.
Unsharpened Hardened EN45 Spring Steel Blade
This reconstruction features a straight, double-edged blade made from hardened EN45 spring steel. A broad fuller defines the blade profile, while both edges are supplied unsharpened.
The sword is specifically designed as a collector's and decorative piece and is also well suited as a prop, for example as part of a historical costume. No reenactment or stage-combat classification is specified. Its unsharpened blade should therefore not be interpreted as approval for direct blade contact or combat use.
Elaborately Reconstructed Hilt
The hilt consists of a short guard with a slight downward curve, a grip tightly wrapped in brass wire and a generously proportioned pommel. Its base curves slightly upwards and supports a distinctive three-lobed cap.
On this reconstruction, the guard and pommel base are made from cast brass. Their highly detailed engraved animal and plant motifs have been reproduced as closely as possible from the surviving decoration of the historical artefact.
Two-Part Pommel Construction
As seen on many surviving swords from this period, the pommel of this reconstruction consists of two parts. 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
The sword comes with a brown scabbard featuring a wooden core covered in genuine leather. The throat, chape and belt passage are made from brass with an antique finish, complementing the richly decorated appearance of the sword.
The belt passage accommodates belts up to approximately 6 cm wide.
Details
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Type: Viking sword / early medieval one-handed sword
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Model: DYBÄCK
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Historical model: Bog find from Dybäck, Scania
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Discovery: Around 1870
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Date of the original: 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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Decoration: Animal and plant motifs in the Winchester style
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Blade material: Hardened EN45 spring 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: Brass wire wrapping
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Guard: Engraved cast brass
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Pommel: Cast brass, two-part construction with three-lobed cap
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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 and prop use
The stated dimensions, weights and other specifications may vary slightly from one item to another.
Scope of Delivery
- Viking sword “DYBÄCK”
- Brown wooden and leather scabbard with brass fittings and belt passage
Care Instructions
The EN45 spring steel used for the blade is not stainless and may already show slight traces of corrosion. Protect the blade from moisture and clean and thoroughly dry it after handling. Regularly applying a thin coat of suitable weapon or universal oil such as Ballistol will help protect the steel surface and prevent corrosion.
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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