Roman gladius type Mainz, 1st century AD.
The gladius was the standard weapon of Rome's legionaries between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD. Over the centuries it was used in many different variations. It was designed for stabbing in combat, but also served as an extremely effective and feared cutting weapon.
This Roman gladius is not an exact replica of an archaeological find. It is a reconstruction of a classical gladius of the Mainz type from the early 1st century. Typical of this Roman sword is the double-edged, slightly waisted blade with a long point.
This reconstruction of a gladius is made of a blade of EN45 spring steel, the cutting edges of which are not sharpened. The continuous blade tang is screwed to the end of the hilt.
The grip is made of bone, the guard and pommel of wood. The guard is fitted with a brass plate on the blade side.
The matching scabbard for this Roman gladius is made of wood and then covered with red leather. The fittings are made of brass. Cast brass carrying rings are attached to the two upper straps, allowing the wearer to carry their gladius around like a true Roman.
Details:
- Material: blade made of spring steel EN45 (carbon steel, not stainless), handle made of bone, guard and pommel made of wood, fastening nut and hand guard inlay made of brass.
- Total length: approx. 71 cm (28 in)
- Blade length: approx. 53 cm (21 in)
- Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm / 2.5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm) (0.18 in / 0.1 in (cutting edges approx. 0.04 in))
- Handle length: approx. 18 cm (7 in) (handle section approx. 9 cm (3.5 in))
- Max. Blade width: approx. 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
- Centre of gravity: approx. 13 cm (5.1 in) in front of the guard
- Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover and brass fittings
- Weight without scabbard: approx. 0.8 kg (1.76 lbs)
- Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs)
Scope of delivery: 1x Roman gladius including sword scabbard
