Loiten Sword

This beautiful functional damascus Loiten sword from the first half of the tenth century was found in a large grave site in Akerhus, Norway. The original pattern welded blade had been ritually "killed". This was sometimes done by heating the blade and bending it into a "s" shape before placing it in the warrior's grave. The reason for these "killings" is unclear, but it is possible that a noted warrior and his damascus sword would "die together" or it may have simply been done so the damascus sword would no longer be of use if dug up by a rival or thief. The distinctive Loiten guard and pommel are cast in bronze with a knot-like decoration that may well have carried significance during the ninth and tenth centuries, as other items have also shown them, but the meaning is now lost to us. The antiqued parts of the Loiten have been married to a wood and leather grip with brass rings and a pattern welded blade that is etched in the fuller, with polished edges just as a norse pattern welded blade (damascus) would have been done. This functional sword comes complete with a handsome wood and leather scabbard with brass furniture.