Sword
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.The quality, complexity, and condition of the inlaid silver decoration, combined with an exceptionally strong and well-proportioned blade, distinguish this sword as an outstanding example of its type. The double-edged blade is inlaid in iron with the name +VLFBERHT+, indicating that it was made or inspired by the swordsmith Ulfberht, who is thought to have worked in the Middle Rhine region of Germany, and whose blade-making style and signature were emulated by other craftsmen for generations.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sword
- Date: ca. 850–900
- Culture: Germanic or Scandinavian
- Medium: Steel, iron, silver, copper alloy
- Dimensions: L. 37 51/64 in. (96 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 5 oz. (1497 g); blade L. 31 19/64 in. (79.5 cm); crossguard L. 3 15/16 in. (10 cm); pommel L. 3 17/32 in. (9 cm); pommel W. 2 11/64 in. (5.5 cm)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Private Collection
- Object Number: L.2006.57
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor