SUPERB DECORATED VIKING SWORD 800-900 AD MINT MUSEUM CONDITION PETERSEN TYPE K

Description

SUPERB DECORATED VIKING SWORD 800-900 AD MINT MUSEUM CONDITION  PETERSEN TYPE  K
Introduction:
This is an important example of a Petersen-style K Viking sword
800-900 AD found in the River Rhine before WWII.
The entire sword is in an exceptional state of conservation; it
has only been cleaned and the rust stabilized.
Decoration:
The blade is made of steel with a broad flat double edge with a brass-decorated hilt. The guard has a horizontal garland pattern decoration, and the pommel is constructed with lobes and is decorated with copper alloy inlaid roping.
Discussion:
Viking swords can be attributed their superiority to other European swords of their time because of Eastern superior steel-producing techniques. The Vikings traveled where other Western Europeans did not. For example they traveled to the Black and Caspian Seas via rivers. Their trade route to Iran was via Sweden. The Vikings were so successful that they are credited with helping establish the Kingdom of Kiev in 864 CE, which is the nucleus that medieval Russia grew from. The Vikings traveled to better themselves through trade.
Conclusion:
A Viking period sword such as this one is seldom found in the collectors market. This one is priced for a quick sale.