Hi Atlantia,
Thanks, that's pretty much what I'm thinking of doing. As for the sword, I just realized I haven't taken a good picture of it. You can see the sword at
http://www.bronze-age-swords.com/Bri...d_European.htm. I got the "Limehouse Type," and it's much nicer in the hand. When the light gets better here, I'll post a picture.
I had a chat with the maker (Neil Burridge, great guy) and he told me that none of the British bronze swords have been found with any evidence of metal fittings. Either they were thrown into the river bare, or (more likely) their scabbards were made entirely of organic materials that rotted away. Leather and wood is the default choice, but if the vikings thought linen might work, I'm willing to try it too.
Best,
F