The discovery at Wandsworth on Thames of a Type X sword dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period was one of the great finds of the early study of medieval swords in modern times. Our Anglo-Saxon Sword is based on this exceptional weapon from the turn of the 10th Century. The Wandsworth Sword was originally found in the Thames River in two pieces, a year apart, a lucky occurrence. It now resides in the London Museum which is being moved to a new facility.
Anglo-Saxon Sword by Arms & Armor Inc.
Swords of this form where the sidearm of elite combatants in the constant warfare of the period. Armor was rare being limited to rare mail shirts and helms for the highest status leaders. This piece in particular as the blade of the original is inlaid with the term INGELRII. This is sometimes misjudged to be a specific maker but is more likely an inscription invoking a latin phrase or protective charm.
A Type X sword is a specific classification of medieval sword blade typically characterized by a broad blade with a fuller running along the center and a tapered point. They were popular during the 10th and 11th centuries and were known for their versatility in combat.
The A&A Anglo-Saxon Sword in hand.
They were almost always paired with a shield. The shield and sword both being used in an offensive manner and creating a formidable challenge to any warrior of the period.
The understanding we have today of how this combat looked and was conducted is well advanced compared to just a few decades ago. Sources such as Hurstwic and Dimicator have lead us to a deeper knowledge of the exceptional skill talent and training accomplished by these fierce combatants. Their techniques and weapons being as nuanced as any from later periods of sword combat.
This wide bladed Type X sword is a great cutter and feels exceptional in the hand. It has a peened construction and is finished with an excellent edge. The grip is usually finished in thin leather skived to a hard wood grip.
If you are interested in early Medieval period this is a great choice for your collection. Here is a video looking at one of our replicas in detail.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985