Early 10th-11th century AD. An iron sword with hilt of Oakeshott's Type Xa; the two-edged blade gently tapering with rounded tip and slight median fuller almost to the tip, 4mm thick at the shoulder and 2mm at the tip; lentoid-section lower guard with rounded ends, flat tapering tang, substantial 'tea-cosy' pommel with curved underside. Cf. Peirce, I. Swords of the Viking Age, Woodbridge, 2002, p.132-3. 795 grams, 92cm (36 1/4"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s. Accompanied by a positive metallurgic analytical report, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. Fine condition, blade repaired. Scarce.