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