http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Metal-detec...king.4052052.jp

I think this is one of the best finds yet.

Metal detectorists thrilled at Viking sword find


GLIMPSE OF HISTORY: The fragments of a Viking sword found in the north west of the Isle of Man

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTBURIED for more than a 1,000 years, these beautifully cast fragments of a Viking sword could be a once-in-a-lifetime find for two metal detector enthusiasts in the Isle of Man.
Only the 13th recorded Viking sword found in the Island, it was unearthed by Dan Crowe and Rob Farrer while metal detecting in the north west of the Island.

The two Manx Detectorists Society members have found many interesting artefacts over the years, so they knew the importance of what they had found.

Manx National Heritage curator for archaeology, Allison Fox, said: 'This is only the 13th recorded Viking sword from the Island – but Dan and Rob knew what they were looking at and what to do next, in notifying MNH.

'Even though they had done exactly the right thing by not cleaning the surface dirt from the finds, when they brought them into the Manx Museum it was clear straight away that we had something very special indeed.'

Initial cleaned by the museum's conservator revealed the intricate designs of sword's hilt.

Unfortunately the blade of the sword has not survived.

Landowner John Radcliffe has donated the artefacts to the Manx National Collection.

Further research will be carried out on the sword before it is permanently displayed in the new Viking and Medieval Gallery at the Manx Museum, Douglas.

During the interim period, the sword fragments will be on display in the foyer of the Manx Museum, Douglas, from Monday, May 12.

If vikings were prominent during their days why is there only few Swords left and buried.

Well one of the reasons i can think of is the swords and armour were taken from the fallen. They were reused or melted down an reforaged.

yet they grew in numbers, I think they hid or buried all their weapons in a place we haven't yet found.

Might have. Either way its a heck of a nice find.

Be a teasure trove of weapons when there are found

Depends on the soil conditions - acidic / alkaline, 'rot' the iron away.

Remember, the swords were not forged from the same iron we have today, but of a lower quality.

I would love to see them refine one of those, it would be very lovely in perfect condition.

Looks very detailed. Just imagine the work that went into it. Amazing.

I love the embellishments to its more a work of art than a sword

Viking + That Sword = Me running away.