7TH CENTURY SCANDINAVIAN WARRIOR

An extract from Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066
by Ian Heath

65.      7TH CENTURY SCANDINAVIAN WARRIOR

This figure's leather or padded topcoat, worn over a woollen or linen tunic, is of the same cross-over pattern as the mail coat worn by 64. It could cross over either way and has heavily embroidered edges. His arms consist only of spear and shield; the cord binding about halfway down the spear shaft marks the centre of balance to facilitate throwing.

Others carried a sword as well, suspended from a baldric, or a scramaseax of about 18-21 inches, and might wear helmets.