Sword 12/13 century or not?

[serdar]

Originally Posted by Bob A

The uniformity of corrosion, and the apparent lack of actual use, push me to suspect its bona fides.

On the other hand, if it is offered at a reasonable price, a handsome, well-balanced fake has its own interest.

I don't know if analysis of the metal would be informative, but I suspect that it would tell the tale.

Metal from 12 century from one foundry is diferent from fake, but if this is original it can have similar metal composition like 12 century known original.

Fake is never good, they are made for scaming people.
Its beter to buy cheap modern reproduction and hang, than to buy fake.

[werecow]

I can't comment on whether the sword "seems" authentic or not as I personally lack the necessary expertise, but just to put in my two cents, I would look at it this way: Given the prevalence of forgeries of swords from this era and the small number of surviving examples, the prior probability of the sword being fake far exceeds the prior probability of the sword being authentic. So, all other things being equal, from a scientific evidence, i.e. Bayesian point of view, the default hypothesis should be that it is most likely a fake, until strong evidence accumulates of its authenticity. That evidence can take many forms, but it should be strong and robust enough to cancel out the prior (and of course any evidence to the contrary).

I would not be so quick to dismiss Dirk, as he has a lot of experience with older swords.

[Will M]

I think it is unscientific to assume such swords found are automatically labelled fakes, it's like being guilty before proven innocent. I do suggest due diligence and proper testing by recognized professionals.
Yes there are obvious fakes however when it's not obvious it does not help to label anything as a fake. Anything is only fake if it's not authentic and is being represented as being so.
I do not believe that online digital photos alone can decide the authenticity of a sword. You need it in hand. People that have handled many of these particular swords would have a better take on this sword. Not many people have the experience due to the rarity and locations of such swords.
When I know something is a reproduction or fake I will point out the details.
If I don't know I will depend on professionals and testing if required.
Providing an opinion is good but requires backup, otherwise it's not useful to the poster of this sword.

[ulfberth]

you will get there to it will just take some more time and making mistakes

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by Will M

I think it is unscientific to assume such swords found are automatically labelled fakes, it's like being guilty before proven innocent. I do suggest due diligence and proper testing by recognized professionals.
Yes there are obvious fakes however when it's not obvious it does not help to label anything as a fake. Anything is only fake if it's not authentic and is being represented as being so.
I do not believe that online digital photos alone can decide the authenticity of a sword. You need it in hand. People that have handled many of these particular swords would have a better take on this sword. Not many people have the experience due to the rarity and locations of such swords.
When I know something is a reproduction or fake I will point out the details.
If I don't know I will depend on professionals and testing if required.
Providing an opinion is good but requires backup, otherwise it's not useful to the poster of this sword.

It is not an opninion , it is the truth