1st-century A.d. Roman Gladius Hispaniensis
1st-century AD Roman Gladius Hispaniensis.
This Roman gladius, a Gladius Hispaniensis, is a rare artifact dating from the 1st century AD, likely belonging to a high-ranking officer in the Roman legion. The hilt, which is quite unusual for a Roman gladius, is adorned with Celtic-style fittings. It is similar to the Hod Hill sword shown here: https://archaicwonder.tumblr.com/post/127514097799/romano-british-sword-1st-century-ad-found-at-hod.
This sword appears to have been part of a major armory or museum collection, as evidenced by the brass tag depicting a double-headed eagle and bearing several letters as well as the number “275.”
Attached is a modern illustration of the hilt assembly, including the fittings and wood that form the tang, guard, and pommel.
The sword is intact and structurally sound, with no play or loose parts.
The damascene steel blade is equally impressive. This sword was certainly forged for a particularly important individual within the Legion. It features the typical wasp-shaped blade and bears numerous signs of use. The tip is reinforced and flared, a fairly common feature of Roman gladiatorial swords.
The sword bears signs of conservation: a thin, dark protective coating—which is beginning to flake off—was applied to preserve and protect it, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century.
A truly exceptional sword of museum quality!
Specifications:
Total length: 85 cm
Blade length: 62.5 cm
Maximum blade width: 5.8 cm
This Roman gladius, a Gladius Hispaniensis, is a rare artifact dating from the 1st century AD, likely belonging to a high-ranking officer in the Roman legion. The hilt, which is quite unusual for a Roman gladius, is adorned with Celtic-style fittings. It is similar to the Hod Hill sword shown here: https://archaicwonder.tumblr.com/post/127514097799/romano-british-sword-1st-century-ad-found-at-hod.
This sword appears to have been part of a major armory or museum collection, as evidenced by the brass tag depicting a double-headed eagle and bearing several letters as well as the number “275.”
Attached is a modern illustration of the hilt assembly, including the fittings and wood that form the tang, guard, and pommel.
The sword is intact and structurally sound, with no play or loose parts.
The damascene steel blade is equally impressive. This sword was certainly forged for a particularly important individual within the Legion. It features the typical wasp-shaped blade and bears numerous signs of use. The tip is reinforced and flared, a fairly common feature of Roman gladiatorial swords.
The sword bears signs of conservation: a thin, dark protective coating—which is beginning to flake off—was applied to preserve and protect it, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century.
A truly exceptional sword of museum quality!
Specifications:
Total length: 85 cm
Blade length: 62.5 cm
Maximum blade width: 5.8 cm
16 500 €
Period: Before 16th century
Style: Rome and Antic Greece
Condition: Good condition
Material: Metal
Length: 85 cm
Reference (ID): 1817388
Availability: In stock
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