C. 900 AD. Viking age. A medieval Scandinavian pointed knife with a straight blade; expertly cleaned and conserved with a hand-carved, reconstructed bone handle depicting the god Odin in the guise of an old man. The sheath fitting comprises a hammered sheet of silver with punched decoration and two loops for attachment to a belt; the leather of the sheath has not survived. Knives were a vital part of everyday life in the Viking world, where forks were not used, and everyone had to carry their own knife, both for self-defence and for eating. The item is extremely well preserved and has been professionally cleaned; it comes on a custom-made stand. Please note that the handle is a hand-made modern reconstruction based on medieval originals and using traditional techniques. Size: L:515mm / W:33mm ; 770g; Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market before 2000.