A significant medieval sword, estimated to be 700 years old, has been discovered in Poland's Vistula River. The artifact was found by Andrzej Korpiukiewicz, a Warsaw resident, in July 2025. Initially mistaking it for debris, Korpiukiewicz noticed an intricate cross-shaped symbol on the metal, prompting a closer examination that revealed a complete medieval sword approximately 79 centimeters in length, featuring a spherical pommel and a crossguard.
Preliminary assessments suggest the sword dates back to the 13th or 14th century, a period coinciding with Warsaw's founding. Experts believe the cross mark may be a blacksmith's signature, potentially aiding in more precise dating. The sword has been entrusted to the State Archaeological Museum of Warsaw for conservation. Specialists are undertaking a meticulous preservation process, including X-ray examinations and the application of a specialized solution to neutralize chlorides, followed by mechanical cleaning and a protective coating. The Vistula River, a vital historical trade route, has yielded numerous historical artifacts, with recent similar finds including a medieval knight's skeleton unearthed in Gdańsk, highlighting the region's rich historical strata.