Oakeshott Type X Medieval / Viking Sword + SINIGELRINIS +

[Jack Loomes]

In excavated condition, with broad tapering double-edged blade with wide shallow central fuller over most of its length on both sides, the forte on one side cut with the inscription '+ SINIGELRINIS +', hilt comprising straight quillons of square section, flat tapering tang with remains of wooden grip-scales, and large Brazil-nut pommel

89.5 cm. blade

Sold for £15,000

Provenance: Frank Unrath Collection

Oakeshott's Type X. For a related sword with an Ulfberht inscription see Ian Peirce, Swords Of The Viking Age, 2002, pp. 124-125

The inscription is thought to be a rare variation on the well-known Ingelvii group. For what appears to be the only other recorded example see Alfred Geibig, Beiträge zur Morphologischen Entwicklung des Schwertes I'm Mittelalter: Eine Analyse des Fundmaterials von ausgehenden 8. bis sum 12. Jahrhundert aus Sammlungen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, 1991, p. 124

For a synopsis of Geibig's work and a further analytical study of the subject see Micheal R. Gorman, 'Ulfbrecht: Innovation and Imitation in Early Medieval Swords', The Sixteenth Park Lane Arms Fair Guide, February 1999, pp. 7-12.

See also this extract from Oakeshott' Records of the Medieval Sword regarding Type X: sword-site.com/thread/118/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Source: www.bonhams.com