11th c. sword with rare blade inlays found in the Netherlands

An early 11th century sword with rare decoration surviving in excellent condition discovered in Montfoort, the Netherlands, has entered the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden.

The Linschoten Sword is 1 meter (3.3 feet) long, with a broad crossguard 17 cm (6.7 inches) wide and weighs 840 grams (1.85 lbs). It is double-edged and has a Brazil nut-shaped pommel typical of swords manufactured by Frankish smiths between 1050 and 1150. Swords of this design have been found in western, northern and eastern mainland Europe.

It was discovered on March 1, 2024, during construction of a new revetment on the Korte Linschoten river. The mechanical digger had to go deeper in this section to replace two inlets, and when the bucket rose with its complement of river dredge, a pointed length of metal was sticking out of it.

The contractor recognized that it might be archaeological material and reported it to Montfoort municipal officials who enlisted archaeologists from the ODRU (Utrecht region environmental service) to begin immediate treatment to prevent the sword from rapid deterioration after being exposed to oxygen.

During this process, researchers discovered more details about the sword. X-rays showed that there were still remains of wood and leather on the handle, probably from the original grip. The sword, which is one meter long but weighs only 900 grams, seems to have been custom-made for an owner. “It is remarkably light, which indicates that it was probably a good sword, easy to handle,” Valentijn said.

This example is rare for having two incrustations (inlaid symbols of a different metal than the sword) on each side of the blade below the crossguard. On one side, thin strips of bronze are arranged in a sun wheel, an ancient symbol of a circle containing a cross. On the other side, five squares are linked to each other within a circle. This is a continuous or endless knot sign, symbolizing unbreakable friendship and loyalty and used as a talisman in the Viking era (800-1100 A.D.) offering protection. There are three parallel stripes of bronze inlaid on both side of the circles.

The municipality of Montfoort, who commissioned the revetment, owns half of the sword. The Landgoed Linschoten owns the land, so both parties shared 50-50 ownership of the sword. They donated it to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden to ensure it was expert hands for long-term conservation and would be visible by the public.

* This article was originally published here