Gift Anglo-Saxon Fetter Lane Sword, 8th Century, Damascus Steel

Anglo-Saxon fetter lane sword with scabbard, 8th century, Damascus blade

This magnificent Anglo-Saxon one-handed sword is based on the remains of an original artifact (the upper part of a sword hilt, including the pommel) that was unearthed during building work in Fetter Lane, London (hence the name) and donated to the British Museum in 1893. The original silver-gilt find, remarkably well preserved and beautifully detailed, is an absolutely unique piece of Middle Anglo-Saxon history that can still be admired in the British Museum, London, today. Due to its construction, shape, and sophisticated ornamentation, this finely crafted masterpiece dates back to the late 8th century. It is believed to have been part of the prestige or ceremonial weapon of a wealthy warrior or nobleman of Germanic descent.

Since the blade is missing from the original archaeological find, a classic (broad, straight, double-edged) early medieval-style blade was selected for this detailed reconstruction of the Fetter Lane sword. It is made of Damascus steel* and has a wide groove on both sides that extends almost to the tip. The parallel cutting edges are unsharpened. The richly decorated handle is made of brass. Like the original, it consists of several pieces riveted together. The filigree motifs that adorn the museum piece have been reproduced as faithfully as possible. The top cap of the pommel consists of an arched center element, framed on both sides by three smaller beads with wire patterns. The base of the pommel and guard are constructed in three parts with diagonal decorative fluting and a tin-plated brass interlayer. The lavishly decorated handle features different intertwined plant/leaf and animal motifs on each side (writhing snakes on one side and a bird or eagle-like creature on the other).

This early medieval one-handed sword is delivered with a brown wooden/leather scabbard with a wooden belt loop (maximum belt width 5cm) and a brass mouthpiece and cap.

This sword is designed as a collector's item or decorative object and is also ideal as an accessory, for example to complete your costume.

Details:
- Material: Damascus steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), brass handle with tin-plated details
- Total length: approx. 94cm
- Blade length: approx. 79 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Handle length: approx. 15 cm (handle section approx. 8.5 cm)
- Maximum blade width: approx. 4.5 cm
- Center of gravity: approx. 13 cm in front of the guard
- Incl. wooden carrying strap and brass fittings
- Weight without cover: approx. 1.65kg
- Weight with case: approx. 2.1 kg

A standard version of this sword with an EN45 spring steel blade is also available in our shop (item no. 0116041300).


Details:
- Material: Damascus steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), brass handle with tin-plated details
- Total length: approx. 94cm
- Blade length: approx. 79 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Handle length: approx. 15 cm (handle section approx. 8.5 cm)
- Maximum blade width: approx. 4.5 cm.
- Center of gravity: approx. 13 cm in front of the guard
- Includes wooden case with genuine leather sheath, wooden carrying strap, and brass hardware.
- Weight without cover: approx. 1.65kg
- Weight with case: approx. 2.1 kg
The above specifications may vary slightly from specimen to specimen.
The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend regularly maintaining the blade and sheath, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.
*The term Damascus steel , Damascus steel , or simply Damascus refers to a composite steel made from two or more different types of steel. The name derives from the Syrian city of Damascus, which is considered an ancient stronghold and the origin of Damascus steel production. Typically, a hard, high-carbon steel and a soft, low-carbon steel are joined by repeated forging welding and folding. The high-carbon steel provides greater hardness, better hardenability, and longer edge retention, while the softer steel gives the blade greater elasticity and increased resistance to breaking. With this technology, which developed in a time of poor and changing steel qualities, the positive properties of different steels can be combined. Due to the different colors with different carbon contents, stunning patterns of alternating layers are created, such as the so-called twist Damascus or rose Damascus . Because of these patterns, Damascus swords from the Middle Ages were said to have an inherent magic.



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