Roman Pompeii Type Classic Variant Gladius. 1st-3rd century A.D. A double-edged gladius sword blade of Pompeii type of piled construction with long, parallel cutting edges tapering sharply towards the triangular point, battle nicks on the sides; blade lentoid in section with long, flat-section tang. See Curle, J., A Roman Frontier Post and its People, the Fort of Newstead in the Parish of Melrose, Glasgow, 1911; Bishop, M. C. & Coulston, J.C.N., Roman military equipment, from the Punic wars to the fall of Rome, London, 1993; Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, no.A453, pl.31. 646 grams, 62.5 cm (24 5/8 in.) Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. This type is the main one represented on the Column of Trajan as well as on the Adamklisi monument. Although its employment decreased after the first half of the 2nd century AD, variants of this sword were still used during the 3rd century. This kind of sword was much more suitable than the older Mainz typology for the fight against the Germanic tribes, allowing the legionary to deliver equally successful blows by stabbing and chopping.

Fine condition.