06-30-2009, 09:01 AM
Gods, what an odd looking hybrid of stuff.
The chape elements look English/North Germanic/Southern Scandinavian Migration period, both in the form of the long u-shaped channel and the punch work decoration on the lateral plates.
The strap distributor has a distinctly 9th C scandinavian look to it, possibly recycled from horse harness?
As for the blade, in size and form the closest parallel I can think of is some of the early medieval, pre-Viking Irish swords, which would tie in date-wise with the fittings (except the strap distributor) and possibly even the decoration.
Odd and intriguing.
The chape elements look English/North Germanic/Southern Scandinavian Migration period, both in the form of the long u-shaped channel and the punch work decoration on the lateral plates.
The strap distributor has a distinctly 9th C scandinavian look to it, possibly recycled from horse harness?
As for the blade, in size and form the closest parallel I can think of is some of the early medieval, pre-Viking Irish swords, which would tie in date-wise with the fittings (except the strap distributor) and possibly even the decoration.
Odd and intriguing.
"Medicus" Matt Bunker
[size=150:1m4mc8o1]WURSTWASSER![/size]
[size=150:1m4mc8o1]WURSTWASSER![/size]
