How to Know the Authentic Viking Horn: Learn with Battling Blades!

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Jan. 6, 2025 - PRLog -- The Viking Age is around the late 8th century and up to the early 11th century, but still, it holds many questions for the people interested in history and its collectibles. Among all artifacts attributed to Vikings, one that holds high value and status in the culture and heritage of the Vikings is the Viking drinking horn.
So, today, with Battling Blades, look at some essential tips on how to identify an authentic Viking horn.
1. Material Matters
Natural materials were used to make authentic Viking horn mug, including:
Cattle horns: These were the most common and practical choice.
Bone or wood: Sometimes used, though less often than cattle horns.
Metal ornaments: Elite or ceremonial horns may have had very intricate metalwork in bronze or silver.
2. Craftsmanship and Design
Viking drinking horns were not just functional; they were works of art. Look for the following characteristics:
Hand carved: Most genuine horns contain minute etchings or carvings of Norse mythology, runes, or symbolic designs.
Irregularity: A handmade Viking horn is never perfectly symmetrical. Machine-made replicas have uniform shapes and patterns.
Patina and wear: Genuine artifacts are bound to show signs of age such as patina, discoloration, or tiny cracks that give them a more authentic look.
3. Authenticating Age
The age of a Viking horn is something that must be known. Authentic Viking-era horns are over a thousand years old, and age authentication can be done by:
Carbon dating: If the horn is said to be an original artifact, carbon dating will verify its age.
Appraisal by an expert: Consulting an expert on Viking artifacts or an archaeologist will give an appropriate assessment.
Provenance: Check if the horn has documentation or proof of its origin and history of ownership. Authentic items are often well-documented.
4. Metal Embellishments
Metal embellishments are typical for more status-conferring Viking horn (https://battlingblades.com/collections/drinking-mugs). If your Viking horn mug has metalwork, here are some things to look out for:
Material: Authentic Viking metalwork usually employs bronze, iron, or silver. Steer clear of horns that are overly shiny or appear to be made of modern metals.
5. Size and Shape
The authentic Viking horns differ in size based on their utilization purpose. Practical drinking horns will generally be medium-size whereas the more ceremonial-sized might be larger. Modern productions seem to amplify it for show only.
6. Testing sound
For signaling horns, the quality of the sound may be a telltale sign of authenticity. Authentic Viking signaling horns have a deep, resonant sound due to their natural materials and craftsmanship. Get in touch with Battling Blades (https://battlingblades.com) and make sure to get yours!