The Fetter Lane Sword – 8th Century Saxon Sword – Antiqued Brass Hilt

The immaculately detailed hilt of this 8th Century Anglo Saxon sword is reproduced from the Fetter Lane sword which is a prized part of the collection of the British Museum. Though only the pommel and half the grip of the original survive, these components are in excellent condition and they give a solid glimpse into the fine craftsmanship imbued into the swords which were the prestige of Saxon kings and champions. One one side of the hilt in cast relief are spiralled, serpent-like patterns and on the opposite side there is a bird-like creature in complex knotwork design.

This reproduction has carefully recreated the fine detailing and precision designs of the original and expanded that motif to recreate the rest of the hilt. The blade has been hand forged from high carbon steel and tempered. The finely detailed hilt is quality cast in brass with an antiqued bronze finish and the contrasting silver-like bands across the guard and pommel are of steel with nickel plating to replicate tin. Tin was a prized metal for decorative embellishment on original swords due to its relative scarcity and resemblance to silver. Like original swords of this period, the pommel on this reproduction is a two-part pommel with a separate cap which has been riveted over the base of the pommel.

The sword comes with a matching wooden scabbard which is tightly bound in stitched leather and finished with fittings of antiqued brass. The wooden suspension loop is affixed to the scabbard with thick bands of leather and serves as an anchoring point for the straps for your own baldric or belt to allow for the sword to be worn.