Hello everyone,
This is a remarkable sword which is very much worthy of discussion, thanks to the original poster for sharing this article! The suggested link with England is new to be and quite interesting. I must say however that it seems to me that only the associated circumstantial evidence (axe, coin, runestone) really support this hypothesis, and I don't see anything intrinsic to the sword itself that would suggest an Anglo-Saxon origin...
The case for Wheeler's type V, corresponding to Petersen's type L, being of uniquely Anglo-Saxon origin is very strong. Examples originate primarily in England naturally, and the Norwegian examples first classified by Petersen frequently bear ornamental details in the characteristically Anglo-Saxon Trewhiddle style. These swords are generally very uniform in appearance; the two examples below illustrate the typical characteristics.
Note that the metalwork is altogether different in character from the Langeid sword. The guard is small and thin, curving closely towards the blade, instead of wide and fan-shaped. The grip also displays the distinctive Anglo-Saxon style of wide ornamental metal bands,
not wire wrapping. The pommel is of two-piece construction, as can be clearly seen in the many examples that have lost the upper part of the pommel.
The pommel of the Langeid sword is of one piece only; the construction can be seen in the following x-ray.
The Langeid sword falls into a small group of swords which are generally viewed as a variant of Petersen's type AE due to the very distinctive crossguard. The best known example of this subtype was found in grave in Finland (thought to belong to a woman) and has an identically shaped guard and pommel as the Langeid sword, though the decorative elements are entirely different in character (Urnes style).
http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/...g-valkyrja.htm
The closest analogue to the Langeid sword comes from another site in Norway however... here the ornamental metalwork is of
precisely the same style. Notice in particular the identically placed spiral designs. This sword is held in the museum in Oslo, under inventory no. C36640.
The handheld-cross motif on the Langeid sword is apparently unique and very interesting. It may be worth noting that the other type AE swords above are dated to the 11th century, by which time Christianity is taking hold in the North. As Christian and pagan symbols and traditions become intermingled, a cross on a Viking hilt may not seem so out of place...