Ancient Roman, Empire Iron Gladius Type Mainz - 65.5 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 5,000 - € 5,500
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Description from the seller
Roman Gladius Mainz type
Roman Empire period, 1st–3rd century AD. Soil or water artifact in good preservation with patina (reddish, dark). Approximately 18 cm long fishing spear with small rivet button. Blade (length approx. 47.5 cm) with a flat central ridge, slightly concave cutting edges, and a needle-sharp, elongated point.
Total length: approximately 65.5 cm.
Blade width: max. 5.5 cm
Weight: 437 grams
Extremely good condition in museum quality.
The red/black patina was either caused by a cremation burial or by natural preservation from antiquity. It could also be a river or bog find. Among the Romans, it was generally not customary to include weapons with a legionary's burial because the weapons were state property. However, it is quite possible that this Mainz-type gladius belonged to a Germanic auxiliary legionary who was part of the Roman army.
The constructive design and the exceptionally good preservation of this feared Roman close-combat weapon show close parallels to spatha swords from the mass finds of imperial-era armament, including those in the Danish moors of Nydam and Illerup-Adal. The Mainz type is typologically based on the older Gladius Hispaniensis and is overall slightly longer, with a tip area extended into a pointed triangular shape.
Several cutting marks on both sides at the edges, which are still sharp-edged.
Acquired from a Belgian collection established in the 1960s.
The sale is only within the EU!!!! Please pay attention when bidding. EU only!!!
Roman Gladius Mainz type
Roman Empire period, 1st–3rd century AD. Soil or water artifact in good preservation with patina (reddish, dark). Approximately 18 cm long fishing spear with small rivet button. Blade (length approx. 47.5 cm) with a flat central ridge, slightly concave cutting edges, and a needle-sharp, elongated point.
Total length: approximately 65.5 cm.
Blade width: max. 5.5 cm
Weight: 437 grams
Extremely good condition in museum quality.
The red/black patina was either caused by a cremation burial or by natural preservation from antiquity. It could also be a river or bog find. Among the Romans, it was generally not customary to include weapons with a legionary's burial because the weapons were state property. However, it is quite possible that this Mainz-type gladius belonged to a Germanic auxiliary legionary who was part of the Roman army.
The constructive design and the exceptionally good preservation of this feared Roman close-combat weapon show close parallels to spatha swords from the mass finds of imperial-era armament, including those in the Danish moors of Nydam and Illerup-Adal. The Mainz type is typologically based on the older Gladius Hispaniensis and is overall slightly longer, with a tip area extended into a pointed triangular shape.
Several cutting marks on both sides at the edges, which are still sharp-edged.
Acquired from a Belgian collection established in the 1960s.
The sale is only within the EU!!!! Please pay attention when bidding. EU only!!!
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/ Timeframe
1-3 Jhr.n.Chr
Name of object
Gladius Type Mainz
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2011
Material
Iron
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
65.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2011
Width
5.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
0.4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
