Albion Jarl
Jun 28, 2014 10:42:58 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jun 28, 2014 10:42:58 GMT
I purchased this sword from Viking Shield. I have no personal or professional relationship with Viking Shield.
Albion Jarl:
Overall length: 36.25"
Blade Length: 30.125"
Blade width: 2.2"
POB: 5.25"
CoP: 19.5"
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
Some of the most strikingly attractive swords from the Viking age have hilts with gently curving upper and lower guards and five lobed pommels that represent two beast heads on either side of a bulbous central dome. It might not be unreasonable to classify this type as a version of the Petersen Type S hilt that show some influence from Anglo-Saxon swords with curved guards.
The hilt of the Jarl is influenced by a few outstanding swords from different collections. It is not a direct copy of any of them but is made to be a homage to their character of commanding presence and elegance. The snouts of the two stylized beast heads bite down on the encircling band of twisted sterling silver wire that sits between pommel and upper guard and there are pairs of thin twisted wire separating the five lobes. These pairs of wires are twisted alternate clockwise and counter clockwise to produce a herringbone effect.
The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on Peter's first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type. The upper guard and pommel are made in separate pieces riveted together, just as were the originals.
Blades of Geibig type 4 (which might also be consider a sub-classification of the Oakeshott Type X) are often smaller than the previous types. They have stronger profile taper which also carries through in the shape of the fuller. We have chosen to make a version of this type that is larger than the norm.
A beautiful sword found in the River Witham (now on display in the British Museum) is of this unusual size and was the inspiration of our Geibig 4 blade. The type can be dated to the period from mid 10th C to the mid 11th C. Ingelrii inscribed swords may have this shape.
The Jarl is a sword of majestic character. The wide bold blade and the dramatic volumes and shapes of the hilt combines with the glinting of silver in a rich and commanding visual presence. The heft of this sword is agile and seems to invite powerful cleaving blows, sweeping cuts and quick stabs.
Impressions: The Jarl is not based on any particular historical sword but rather an interpretation of swords from that time period. It is very similar to the River Witham sword that has been reproduced by various modern makers. The Jarl is a beautiful sword and has an attractive two-piece pommel with silver wire accents. The blade is finished well to include the fullers. The sword handles and tracks well. It does not feel heavy in hand and is well balanced. The hilt is very comfortable in the hand. The Jarl makes it into the top five Viking swords in my collection.
Cons: Price for some collectors.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Albion Jarl:
Overall length: 36.25"
Blade Length: 30.125"
Blade width: 2.2"
POB: 5.25"
CoP: 19.5"
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
Some of the most strikingly attractive swords from the Viking age have hilts with gently curving upper and lower guards and five lobed pommels that represent two beast heads on either side of a bulbous central dome. It might not be unreasonable to classify this type as a version of the Petersen Type S hilt that show some influence from Anglo-Saxon swords with curved guards.
The hilt of the Jarl is influenced by a few outstanding swords from different collections. It is not a direct copy of any of them but is made to be a homage to their character of commanding presence and elegance. The snouts of the two stylized beast heads bite down on the encircling band of twisted sterling silver wire that sits between pommel and upper guard and there are pairs of thin twisted wire separating the five lobes. These pairs of wires are twisted alternate clockwise and counter clockwise to produce a herringbone effect.
The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on Peter's first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type. The upper guard and pommel are made in separate pieces riveted together, just as were the originals.
Blades of Geibig type 4 (which might also be consider a sub-classification of the Oakeshott Type X) are often smaller than the previous types. They have stronger profile taper which also carries through in the shape of the fuller. We have chosen to make a version of this type that is larger than the norm.
A beautiful sword found in the River Witham (now on display in the British Museum) is of this unusual size and was the inspiration of our Geibig 4 blade. The type can be dated to the period from mid 10th C to the mid 11th C. Ingelrii inscribed swords may have this shape.
The Jarl is a sword of majestic character. The wide bold blade and the dramatic volumes and shapes of the hilt combines with the glinting of silver in a rich and commanding visual presence. The heft of this sword is agile and seems to invite powerful cleaving blows, sweeping cuts and quick stabs.
Impressions: The Jarl is not based on any particular historical sword but rather an interpretation of swords from that time period. It is very similar to the River Witham sword that has been reproduced by various modern makers. The Jarl is a beautiful sword and has an attractive two-piece pommel with silver wire accents. The blade is finished well to include the fullers. The sword handles and tracks well. It does not feel heavy in hand and is well balanced. The hilt is very comfortable in the hand. The Jarl makes it into the top five Viking swords in my collection.
Cons: Price for some collectors.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury