Viking Serpent Leather Wallet with Lost-Wax Cast Bronze Emblem

Viking Serpent Leather Wallet with Lost-Wax Cast Bronze Emblem

Design and Construction

The wallet is crafted from premium full-grain leather in a rich brown hue. Its centrepiece is a striking bronze emblem on the front, produced using the traditional lost-wax casting method. It depicts a mythological serpent or dragon, interlaced in a typical Viking knotwork pattern inspired by the Urnes art style. Every detail of the ornament is precisely rendered. The wallet closes securely with a leather strap and a sturdy metal press-stud, and its edges are reinforced with meticulous stitching.

A Union of Art and Craft

The main decoration was made using the lost-wax casting technique. This ancient process, known since Roman times, was widely used in the medieval period to create brooches, jewellery, fibulae, and military insignia. The process is labour-intensive: first, a detailed wax model is created, encased in clay, and then fired. The wax melts and runs out, and molten bronze is poured into the resulting cavity. The result is a perfectly detailed and durable casting that cannot be achieved by other means.

This wallet is ideal for:

• Carrying your cash and cards daily
• As a stylish accessory for a historical costume (Viking, Norman)
• A unique gift for lovers of Norse mythology and history

Wealth in the Viking Age

A Point of History: Did you know that Vikings didn't use wallets as we know them today? They carried their wealth in the form of silver jewellery (arm-rings, neck-rings) or coins in leather pouches and purses. They often used "hack-silver," where pieces of silver objects were simply chopped off and weighed to make payments. This wallet is a modern interpretation of the age-old need to keep one's valuables safe and close at hand.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your wallet looking its best for years to come, just follow a few simple rules:

• Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Treat the leather with a quality balm from time to time to keep it supple.
• Gently polish the bronze emblem with a soft cloth to maintain its patina.
• Avoid exposing the wallet to water to prevent damage to the leather and casting.

Please Note: This is a handcrafted item. Due to the use of the lost-wax method and the manual finishing of the leather, slight variations in colour, texture, or casting details may occur. It is these very imperfections that lend each piece its unique character and authenticity.

Specifications