Militaria - Arms & Armor Through the Ages
Sat, Mar 22, 2025 11:00AM EDT
Lot 1055
Important Viking Era Petersen Style L Iron Sword dating late 9th - early 10th Century A.D.
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $150,000 | $10,000 |
A well-preserved example of a Viking Petersen Style L sword, this artifact dates to the late 9th - early 10th century AD. Identified on page 237 of Garcia's, The Collector's Course on Medieval Arms and Armor, this sword features a more elaborate pommel and a downturned crossguard, a key innovation of the Viking era.
The downward curve of the crossguard was designed to trap an opponent’s weapon during combat, demonstrating the evolving tactics of Viking swordplay. Heavy wear is visible across the entire blade, particularly near the blunted tip, suggesting it was used more for hacking than thrusting. The original wooden or bone hilt is now lost, but its sturdy iron blade remains intact.
As swords were rare and highly valuable, they were reserved for elite warriors, jarls, and Viking kings. Unlike common weapons like axes and spears, a sword was a symbol of power and status. This piece may have seen battle in the Frankish kingdoms, Anglo-Saxon England, or among the Kievan Rus.
Provenance: This sword was discovered in 2021 in Northern Poland and has been professionally preserved
Dimensions: Approx. 36" L x 8.5" W
Condition
⭐ ⭐
Honest Wear or As Found – Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Honest Wear or As Found – Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.
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