Fisherman’s “Catch” Turns Out to Be a 700 Year Old Medieval Sword
A fisherman in Warsaw nets a rare medieval sword from the Vistula River—a nearly intact 31 inch weapon featuring a distinctive pommel and cross symbol Conservation efforts are underway at the State Archaeological Museum .
On July 2 2025 a fisherman casting his line into Poland’s Vistula River near Warsaw expected an ordinary day on the water Instead he pulled in something astonishing—a medieval sword believed to be around 700 years old Experts are calling the discovery a “sensational find” and one of the most remarkable historical artifacts recovered from the river in recent years .
An Exceptionally Preserved Artifact
Measuring approximately 31 inches in length the sword remains in an impressive state of preservation despite centuries submerged in the river Notable details include a spherical pommel and a cross symbol engraved on the wedge—both remarkably intact .
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Legal Obligations and Custody
Polish law requires such discoveries to be reported and surrendered to authorities The fisherman promptly handed the weapon over to the Capital Conservator of Monuments in Warsaw From there it was transferred to the Metal Conservation Workshop at the State Archaeological Museum where conservation specialists began the delicate process of preservation .
“A Sensational Find”
Authorities emphasize the rarity of uncovering such a well preserved medieval weapon in Warsaw a city that wasn’t founded until the early 14th century The exceptional state of the sword offers a rare glimpse into medieval craftsmanship and warfare .
Conservation in Progress
Conservation teams are using a meticulous multi stage process to stabilize and protect the artifact .
- Radiation based imaging to assess internal structure .
- A multi week chemical bath to remove harmful chlorides .
- pH balanced rinses to neutralize chemical residues .
- Mechanical cleaning to remove sand and soil .
- Application of a protective coating to prevent future corrosion .
Only after these steps will archaeologists undertake a full historical analysis .
Dating and Research Challenges
According to Anna Magdalena Łań from Warsaw’s heritage office the sword likely dates to the 13th or 14th century aligning with Warsaw’s early development The engraved cross may be the blacksmith’s signature potentially allowing for more precise dating or origin tracing .
However because the sword was recovered from a river without other associated artifacts its broader historical context remains uncertain—making deeper interpretation more challenging .
Significance of the Discovery
This remarkable find adds a unique chapter to Poland’s archaeological record While medieval artifacts have been discovered in other parts of the country—such as a knight’s burial unearthed beneath a former ice cream parlor in Gdańsk—the Vistula River sword stands out for both its preservation and its unexpected location It offers historians and the public a rare tangible connection to Poland’s medieval past .