In July 2010, the FSB and the Main Directorate of Internal Affairs (GUVD) of the Kursk Region prevented the illegal export of unique items from an ancient burial site that had been looted by treasure hunters. These items were handed over by law enforcement agencies to the Kursk State Regional Museum of Archaeology. One of the most intriguing sets of items is the “golden” sword belt set.
The iron sword itself was likely lost by the original finders. The scabbard was attached to the belt with two buckles, which were slightly smaller than the main belt buckle. The scabbard and hilt fittings were decorated similarly to the golden buckles, featuring a combination of simple geometric shapes — circles and triangles — filled with red garnet and green glass. Some researchers believe that this entire set was custom-made in a cohesive style. Based on the length of the scabbard, the size of the Fatezh sword falls within the average range for that period — no less than 80 centimeters. Unfortunately, so far this is all that can be said about the type of the lost sword.
The scabbard of the Volnikovka sword was likely wooden, possibly covered with thin, dyed leather, and overlaid with a sheet of gold. The shape of the scabbard was maintained by grooved U-shaped clamps on the sides. The gold sheathing was embossed with a pattern resembling the scales of a dragon, serpent, or fish. The decorative pattern was scalloped and dotted. The sheathing was attached to the base with inlaid fittings and side clamps. The Volnikovka find also includes a flattened bead over two centimeters in diameter, made from dark, honey-yellow amber. Such beads may have been part of the sword hilt or served as a stopper to prevent the sword from sliding on the belt.
