FINE LARGE VIKING SCRAMASAX

10th-11th century AD. Forged iron, 10 3/8” length with relatively thin broad clipped point blade made for slashing. Tapered whittle tang for embedding in a bone or antler grip and made without a guard as is characteristic for these. Stable excavated condition with the surface textured from burial. As with all warriors, Vikings used weapons best suited to field conditions. The broadsword was most effective on the field and the scramseax was best suited for close quarters such as house raids. Slaving for trade and domestic use was a primary Viking activity. Related, was captured for ransom. This knife would have been a primary weapon used by a Viking warrior for the coastal town and house raids that fueled those activities. Iconic example. With Plexiglas display mount and certificate of authenticity.