1st Century AD Imperial Period Roman Gladius Hispaniensis

1st Century AD Roman Gladius Hispaniensis

A rarely seen 2000-year-old Roman Gladius Hispaniensis from the 1st Century AD, probably belonging to a high-ranking officer of the Roman Legion. The hilt type quite unusual for a Roman gladius, the hilt of this sword has been fitted with Celtic style fitting. These are like the Hod Hill sword seen here: https://archaicwonder.tumblr.com/post/127514097799/romano-british-sword-1st-century-ad-found-at-hod.

This sword, appears to have been previously in a large armoury collection or museum collection as the brass tag depics a double headed eagle and marked with several letter and the number “275”.

I attach a modern representation of how the hilt assembly included fittings and wood would combine to from the handle, guard and pommel.

The sword itself is intact and structurally sound without any wobble or looseness in its parts.

The blade is equally impressive having been made of pattern wielded steel, certainly this sword was made for an especially important individual within the Legion. The blade has the typical wasp blade and shows extensive signs of use thought the blade. The tip is armoured and expanding, and other quite common feature associated with Roman gladius swords.

The sword shows signs of having been preserved, a fine dark protective compound which is now beginning to flake off was applied to preserve and protect the sword, probably done in the late 19th or early 20th century.

Truly a rarely seen sword of Museum quality!