A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light thanks to members of the metal detecting group “Gryf.” While exploring near the village of Wielka Tymawa in Poland’s Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, they unearthed a rare medieval longsword and two axe heads dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

A Rare Find in Exceptional Condition

The discovery, made during a licensed search, has been hailed as a medieval weapons treasure. The artifacts have now been handed over to the Ostróda Museum for conservation and future exhibition.

Experts and archaeologists have been particularly impressed by the exceptional preservation of the finds. The sword, measuring about one meter in length, remains largely intact, with its hilt, crossguard, and blade still in remarkable condition.

This level of preservation makes the discovery extremely rare and historically significant.

The weapon’s design resembles the "hand-and-a-half sword" (also known as a bastard sword), a versatile weapon widely used throughout the Middle Ages. Its sharp, pointed blade suggests it was crafted for both slashing and piercing through armor. This type of sword was often wielded alongside a shorter secondary blade, giving warriors greater combat flexibility.

“A Valuable Addition to the Museum”

Łukasz Szczepański, an archaeologist at the Ostróda Museum, believes the discovery greatly enriches the museum’s collection. The medieval weapons were found near the Osa River, a historically turbulent and meandering waterway. Experts suggest that the artifacts may have been submerged for centuries, which contributed to their remarkable preservation.

One of the axe heads even retained a fragment of its original wooden shaft—an extremely rare occurrence for weapons of this age.

This is not the first time that members of the “Gryf” group have played a key role in uncovering important historical artifacts. A few years ago, they were instrumental in discovering a hoard of Carolingian silver coins near Biskupiec. That find included more than 130 silver denarii and fragments of 9th-century currency.

The recent discovery of the medieval sword and axes provides further insight into the rich history of the Warmia and Masuria regions. The Ostróda Museum has already begun X-ray analysis and conservation work on the artifacts, with plans to eventually display them in a permanent exhibition.