Roman gladius of Pompeii type with scabbard, 1st century AD.
Thegladius, the main weapon of the Roman legionaries from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, was produced in different variants over the centuries. However, this feared short sword was gradually replaced by the longer spatha during the late Roman Empire. The Gladiuspompeianus, which replaced the Mainz type from the mid 1st century AD onwards, represents the final developmental phase of the Roman short sword. This late variant takes its name from a famous archaeological site in Italy, where four canonical specimens dating from before 79 AD - before the devastating eruption of Vesuvius - were discovered.
The sword on offer is a reconstruction of a classic Pompeii-type gladius from the late 1st century. The blade with parallel blades and a short triangular point is forged from spring steel EN45 (untempered, unpainted). The blade is not sharpened and the full blade is attached to the pommel by a brass nut. The handle, guard and pommel are made of wood.
The one-handed gladius comes with a richly decorated scabbard of leather-covered wood, with brass fittings. The brass fittings are inspired by archaeological finds from the Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen (The Netherlands). The two iconographic plates on the front of the scabbard neck are decorated with carved and engraved motifs, partly in pewter. The lower end of the scabbard is formed by a V-shaped frame with a ball knob, a horizontal band and a decorative plate with a palmette, matching the neck. The suspension of the sword is provided by cast brass rings that allow the sword to be worn in the style of Roman legionaries.
This sword is intended as a collector's or decorative piece, also ideal as a prop for historical costume.
Details:
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Material: spring steel EN45 (high carbon, not stainless), wooden handle with brass nut
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Overall length: approx. 67.5 cm
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Blade length: approx. 49 cm
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Blade thickness: approx. 4.3 mm / 4 mm (blade approx. 1 mm)
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Handle length: approx. 18.5 cm (grip approx. 9 cm)
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Max. blade width: approx. 4.5 cm
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Centre of gravity: approx. 13 cm from the guard
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Including wooden sheath with genuine leather covering and brass accessories
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Weight without scabbard: approx. 0.6 kg
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Weight with scabbard: approx. 0.95 kg
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