A 10th century Viking-era sword with a spectacular solid gold cross guard is valued at up to $12,000 ahead of a sale at Timeline Auctions.

The 10th century sword last sold in the 1980s 

The pommel and grip were added later and are constructed from base metals overlaid with gold foil.

The flashy piece was more than likely the property of an important tribal figure given its extraordinary value.

As the sword is around 1m in length, he would have been a fairly sizeable presence too.

The lot is fresh to the market for the first time since the 1980s. It's due to cross the block in London on February 20. 

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