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Blade of a Viking Sword

ca. 600
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Found at Sittingbourne (in Kent, United Kingdom), this blade's distinctive design is the result of pattern-welding, a technique of forging a blade from stacked and intertwined rods of steel and iron. This produces hard yet flexible blades with complex and varied patterns, treasured for both their strength and beauty.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Blade of a Viking Sword
  • Date: ca. 600
  • Culture: Anglo-Saxon
  • Medium: Steel, iron
  • Dimensions: L. 35 9/16 in. (90.3 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 6.9 oz. (649.2 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Private Collection
  • Object Number: L.2015.18.1
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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