A metallographic and chemical analysis of a Viking sword from Telemark in Norway

This research project deals with chemical and metallurgic analyses of a Viking Age sword fragment collected in Norway. The quality and the foundry technology of the sword are investigated by means of microchemical and physical analyses including scanning electron microscopy and microhardness measurements. The applied methods are adequately desribed, so are the descriptions of the corroded sword remnants. Based on analyses of the slag inclusions, she concludes on age and history (origin) of the sword. The sword has been forged in a technologically advanced slashing weapon culture of the late Viking Age.