Celtic anthropomorphic hilted short sword

2009

I have been deeply fascinated with the Celtic culture since I was a young boy, it is this fascination that led me to swordsmithing and the reconstruction of ancient material culture. As I have created swords inspired by the Celtic tradition, I have become increasingly hungry to examine, reconstruct and interpret ancient objects in person.

I returned with a tracing of the blade on a role of vellum, measurements, and photographs.  I then began the process of recreating what I had measured but also what I had sensed in the design of the original.  This process carried over into the creation of an organic scabbard embellished with La Tene period curvilinear ornamentation to compliment and protect the blade.

The blade on this sword is forged of 558 layers of 1075/8670m figured steel. It has a strong distal taper with a concave crossection. It feels light and deadly in the hand. These small swords are extremely efficient in every sense. The blade is forged of high layer spirit pattern damascus wich shimmers like figured wood or flowing water when you move it in the light. The hilt and scabbard fittings are cast silicon bronze, and the scabbard is birdseye maple lined with close sheared sheep fleece with the lanolin left in to protect the blade.

Blade - 42cm / 16 1/2"

Hilt - 14cm / 5 1/2"

Weight of sword - 496 g / 1lbs 1.5oz

Overall Length - 56cm / 22"

Scabbard - 53.5cm / 21"

I have written a detailed description of the reconstruction process here detailing the exact dimensions of the original and my interpretation of them for this piece.

Thanks to Peter Johnsson, Owen Bush, Dr. Jody Joy, and the staff at the Prehistory and Europe study room at the British Museum. Thanks also to the New Brunswick Arts Board for helping me with my research costs. Last but not least thank you to my wife Sara for her patience and advice.