Roman Gladius of Possible Gladiatorial Provenance

Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. The sword with a bronze hilt, a domed and knopped pommel, the cylindrical bone guard decorated with incised ring-dot motifs and encircling bands, the convex circular bronze guard decorated with a scrolling niello-inlaid vine and recessed border, the double-edged iron blade with a raised and flat mid-rib. Similar ornate Roman swords have been depicted in art in the use by Gladiators (see below).

18in (45.7cm) long, some damage to the handle

Sold for £7,800 inc. premium

Provenance: Ex private Yorkshire collection. Acquired by the present owner in 2001.

Source: www.bonhams.com/