Pompeii Type Gladius, Roman Sword With Scabbard

Treat yourself to a Pompeii-style Gladius, Roman Sword with Sheath

Pompeii gladius, Roman sword with scabbard



The gladius, the principal weapon of the Roman legions, was in use between the 4th century BC and the 3rd century AD in many different variations. The Pompeian-type gladius is one of the later versions of the Roman short sword. Modern historians have named it after the famous archaeological dig site and the location of the first four examples of this species, which date to before 79 AD (the year of the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which covered the Italian city under a metre-high layer of buried ash).



The shorter, broader, double-edged blade of the Pompeii gladius was extremely effective in close combat. With their straight, parallel-edged blades and triangular tips, these gladii were primarily designed for stabbing, but were suitable for both stabbing and slashing techniques.



The model offered here is a reconstruction as faithful to history as possible of a classic, yet artistically decorated Pompeii gladius. This sword has a full-tang, hand-forged, unsharpened carbon steel blade. The bone handle is hollowed for optimal grip and framed by an oval handguard and spherical pommel (both made of solid wood with hand-carved motifs). The tang of the sword is firmly fixed to the pommel by a brass nut. A brass plate built into the wood of the handguard is covered with a small piece of felt to cushion contact between the handle and the scabbard. If you prefer to expose the brass inlay, this piece of felt can be easily removed.



The beautiful and magnificent scabbard is a real eye-catcher. It is made of wood, covered with burgundy leather and decorated with brass fittings based on archaeological finds. While the bezel (with a narrow horizontal band, a V-shaped border and a semicircular bezel) has a rather simple but beautiful design, the mouthpiece, on the other hand, is decorated with elaborate tinned details: on two on the obverse there are decorative fields, partly openwork and partly engraved, of a helmeted and marching figure. The upper field shows a warrior on foot between two standards and the lower field shows the same warrior in a two-horse chariot (the so-called biga ). There are two cast brass support rings on either side of the scabbard's mouthpiece, allowing the user to carry his gladius like a real Roman.



Since this Pompeian-type gladius has blunt edges but a sharp point, it is not recommended for display combat and is more suited to living history. Combined with authentic and appropriate clothing and armour, this beautifully crafted sword is the perfect accessory to represent any higher-ranking legionary. But aside from its reenactment purposes, it also makes a great collector’s and display item for any Roman history enthusiast.



Details:

- Material: EN45 carbon steel blade, bone handle, wooden guard and pommel, brass mounting nut and hand guard insert
- Total length: approx. 68.8cm

- Blade length: approx. 48.8 cm

- Blade width: approx. 5 cm

- Handle length: approx. 20 cm (handle section approx. 9 cm)

- Weight (without case): approx. 710g

- Incl. wooden core case, genuine leather sheath (stitched) and brass applications



The above specifications may vary slightly from specimen to specimen.



Please note:

This item is only sold to persons over 18 years of age. Please enter your date of birth on our order form. We also require a copy of your ID, driving licence or similar by email, scan, fax or post.


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