This is a guest blog post contributed by Peter Pirate Pablo Pandy. #Swordgate fans will know Peter-of-Many-Faces as the producer of numerous illustrations documenting the proliferation of Fake Hercules Swords and the development of our understanding of the chronological implications of variation in their features and characteristics. In this post he gives his latest thoughts and introduces a new poster, which I will have printed for my office. Enjoy!
Get your FREE 3’ x 4’ digital poster copy HERE (click "Download This File").
The almost two-year-old saga of Swordgate has brought us to a near complete understanding of the Hercules Sword’s origin and life story. The lineage of almost all examples in the inventory has been established and a functional predictive model has been produced. Using morphological features and a handful of known purchase dates, group types have been created and organized chronologically. The first version of the model was given limited release within the Swordgate community earlier this year for scrutiny and discussion. Version 2 now represents an enhanced effort with added sample corroboration, new identifiers, and upgraded annotations and graphics. Version 2 is the formal release to the world, or at least to those still playing along at home.
First some clarity on the name and term usage during Swordgate. Hercules Sword is the global term we use to describe any and all of the swords in the inventory. The salient sword of interest that started this debunking effort was the example seen on the Curse of Oak Island TV show in season 3 at the end of 2015. This example goes by its specific inventory name of the Nova Scotia Sword and has the ID tag of 1J(c), meaning #1 in the inventory and a member of the sub group J(c). Find locations and finder or owner names have been used as the general approach for most inventory naming. The other term commonly used during Swordgate to link identity with the TV show and the related pseudo history nonsense from Jovan Philyaw, is the Oak Island Fake Roman Sword. Finally, just to be clear, these pseudo artifacts are not swords by any objective definition. They are souvenir collectables in the general shape of a sword and are referred to as swords only in a representative sense. If you are new to Swordgate please consider reviewing the full Swordgate blog category or visit the unofficial official Swordgate Youtube channel for more details.
We started the Swordgate odyssey with early comparative examples that hinted at some sort of relationship between swords. The now legendary J mark and supporting dots and ridges seen on early finds hinted at a grouping scenario. When the Curse of Oak Island TV show presented the definitive metallurgical results on the Nova Scotia Sword, identifying it as modern era copper and zinc alloy brass, it became a Swordgate blog and Facebook group challenge to identify the true origin story. Andy put a bounty on the table and the stakes were huge!
First some clarity on the name and term usage during Swordgate. Hercules Sword is the global term we use to describe any and all of the swords in the inventory. The salient sword of interest that started this debunking effort was the example seen on the Curse of Oak Island TV show in season 3 at the end of 2015. This example goes by its specific inventory name of the Nova Scotia Sword and has the ID tag of 1J(c), meaning #1 in the inventory and a member of the sub group J(c). Find locations and finder or owner names have been used as the general approach for most inventory naming. The other term commonly used during Swordgate to link identity with the TV show and the related pseudo history nonsense from Jovan Philyaw, is the Oak Island Fake Roman Sword. Finally, just to be clear, these pseudo artifacts are not swords by any objective definition. They are souvenir collectables in the general shape of a sword and are referred to as swords only in a representative sense. If you are new to Swordgate please consider reviewing the full Swordgate blog category or visit the unofficial official Swordgate Youtube channel for more details.
We started the Swordgate odyssey with early comparative examples that hinted at some sort of relationship between swords. The now legendary J mark and supporting dots and ridges seen on early finds hinted at a grouping scenario. When the Curse of Oak Island TV show presented the definitive metallurgical results on the Nova Scotia Sword, identifying it as modern era copper and zinc alloy brass, it became a Swordgate blog and Facebook group challenge to identify the true origin story. Andy put a bounty on the table and the stakes were huge!
The swords kept coming. Contributors of sword examples gradually provided a range of acquisition tales, including original source provenience to markets in Rome and Pompeii. Weeks and months passed and the inventory became substantial enough that morphologic similarities were indexed into multiple groups. Three dimensional model scans added to the identification of features. Swordgaters on the blog and on Facebook worked together to create predictable lineage for all swords. The pseudo history promotion of the Nova Scotia sword being something other than modern was debunked and falsified to a clearer focus on where it came from and when it was made.
By the start of 2017, the primary working hypothesis that all brass swords are relatively recent souvenir collectables from Italy was rock solid. Characterization of the full inventory ultimately resulted in the first 2’ x 2’ poster version of the Timeline Morphology Model in April 2017. Version one was presented and distributed on Facebook and a subsequent summary was included in a video posted to the Youtube channel. The model presented six group types with two sub types, a timeline from the mid 1970s to present, and eight primary, seventeen secondary, and six tertiary morphologic indicators spread over each group type and sub type.
Over the summer of 2017 additional nuance and annotation has been incorporated. One additional secondary indicator and two additional tertiary indicators were added, and one indicator flip from secondary to primary has been done. One confirmed feature trend pattern is also added as a secondary indicator. Two more swords were added to the inventory and each fit nicely with established group types and lineage. The Timeline Morphology Model is now updated to version 2.0.
By the start of 2017, the primary working hypothesis that all brass swords are relatively recent souvenir collectables from Italy was rock solid. Characterization of the full inventory ultimately resulted in the first 2’ x 2’ poster version of the Timeline Morphology Model in April 2017. Version one was presented and distributed on Facebook and a subsequent summary was included in a video posted to the Youtube channel. The model presented six group types with two sub types, a timeline from the mid 1970s to present, and eight primary, seventeen secondary, and six tertiary morphologic indicators spread over each group type and sub type.
Over the summer of 2017 additional nuance and annotation has been incorporated. One additional secondary indicator and two additional tertiary indicators were added, and one indicator flip from secondary to primary has been done. One confirmed feature trend pattern is also added as a secondary indicator. Two more swords were added to the inventory and each fit nicely with established group types and lineage. The Timeline Morphology Model is now updated to version 2.0.
The following summary presents group type and sub type letter identifier and naming identifier, primary metallurgy, sample size (for the salient Italian brass years), known purchase source locations, and known/weighted interpretation of time period limits.
X for Xiphos / iron(?) / pre 1975(?)
F for Fuller (partial) / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1975-1980
T for Transitional / brass / n=2 / Rome / 1980-1983
J(c) for J Mark & Circle Mark / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1983-1987
J(r) for J Mark on Reverse of blade / brass / n=1 / Rome / 1987-1990
J for J Mark / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1990-1995
CS for Clean Sword / brass / n=7 / Pompeii / 1995-2008
I for Iron / iron / 2003 to present
CS2 for 2nd generation CS traits / brass / 2015 to present
F2 for 2nd generation F traits / brass / 2015 to present
The model’s primary, secondary, and tertiary indicators are presented on the poster with example pictures and annotations. Interpretation of the indicator features should be relatively straightforward and most have been discussed previously in the blog and on Facebook. Primary indicators are the single dominant feature consistent in the group type. The two sub types in group J have a consistent sub identifier. A mix of hilt and blade traits are used as primary indicators. Secondary indicators are also consistently seen in all examples in the group or sub type but clarity can vary. The secondary indicators are primarily related to hilt differences. Tertiary indicators are not necessarily seen in all examples in a group or sub type or more examples are felt to be needed for corroboration.
The model poster also presents a selection of enlargements for added clarity. Annotation providing characterization of the main Italian brass period and the more current iron and polished brass pieces is also included. The Nova Scotia Sword is illustrated at full scale with annotation for added context, and the most current and unique sword from Italy is illustrated at full scale for interest and comparison.
The timeline distinctly shows the early Italian brass sword years, 1975-1995, reflecting Rome as the known market for Types F,T,J(c), J(r), and J, and later years of 1995-2008 reflecting the Pompeii market for Type CS. More current iron swords and the most modern brass sword examples from Italy are noted as 2003 and 2015 respectively with regard to original retail date. The distinct largest sword identified, Type X, has been inserted as the possible earliest sword based on a combination of morphology clues.
The Italian tourist market brass swords representing the span from 1975 to 2008 are the critical comparative examples for the purpose of determining the origin of the Nova Scotia Sword. The Timeline Morphology Model identifies the Nova Scotia Sword in the span of ca.1983-ca.1987 and it is sourced to the souvenir trade in Rome.
X for Xiphos / iron(?) / pre 1975(?)
F for Fuller (partial) / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1975-1980
T for Transitional / brass / n=2 / Rome / 1980-1983
J(c) for J Mark & Circle Mark / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1983-1987
J(r) for J Mark on Reverse of blade / brass / n=1 / Rome / 1987-1990
J for J Mark / brass / n=3 / Rome / 1990-1995
CS for Clean Sword / brass / n=7 / Pompeii / 1995-2008
I for Iron / iron / 2003 to present
CS2 for 2nd generation CS traits / brass / 2015 to present
F2 for 2nd generation F traits / brass / 2015 to present
The model’s primary, secondary, and tertiary indicators are presented on the poster with example pictures and annotations. Interpretation of the indicator features should be relatively straightforward and most have been discussed previously in the blog and on Facebook. Primary indicators are the single dominant feature consistent in the group type. The two sub types in group J have a consistent sub identifier. A mix of hilt and blade traits are used as primary indicators. Secondary indicators are also consistently seen in all examples in the group or sub type but clarity can vary. The secondary indicators are primarily related to hilt differences. Tertiary indicators are not necessarily seen in all examples in a group or sub type or more examples are felt to be needed for corroboration.
The model poster also presents a selection of enlargements for added clarity. Annotation providing characterization of the main Italian brass period and the more current iron and polished brass pieces is also included. The Nova Scotia Sword is illustrated at full scale with annotation for added context, and the most current and unique sword from Italy is illustrated at full scale for interest and comparison.
The timeline distinctly shows the early Italian brass sword years, 1975-1995, reflecting Rome as the known market for Types F,T,J(c), J(r), and J, and later years of 1995-2008 reflecting the Pompeii market for Type CS. More current iron swords and the most modern brass sword examples from Italy are noted as 2003 and 2015 respectively with regard to original retail date. The distinct largest sword identified, Type X, has been inserted as the possible earliest sword based on a combination of morphology clues.
The Italian tourist market brass swords representing the span from 1975 to 2008 are the critical comparative examples for the purpose of determining the origin of the Nova Scotia Sword. The Timeline Morphology Model identifies the Nova Scotia Sword in the span of ca.1983-ca.1987 and it is sourced to the souvenir trade in Rome.
By comparison, the find story of the Nova Scotia Sword provided by Jovan Hutton Pulitzer and the Curse of Oak Island TV show is without a doubt false. The claim that it was pulled up by scallop fisherman from a Roman shipwreck near Oak Island in the 1940s is a fabricated story with no evidence. It should be clearly noted that the association of the sword to an alleged and fake Roman shipwreck was never detailed on the TV show but rather was only explicitly told by Pulitzer and used in his fake news releases. Pulitzer clearly did not use critical thinking and due diligence to determine facts. Facts matter. The producers and cast of the TV show did use due diligence to have the sword professionally tested. The metallurgy tests by St. Mary’s University confirmed the sword as modern era brass. The magnified truth of specific origin as a tourist souvenir from Rome in the mid 1980s is now quite clear.
Many thanks and congratulations are extended to all the Swordgaters that crowdsourced the finds, the data, and that provided discussion used to build the knowledge base for the model. We can all split the reward and reap the glory. There are still a few unanswered questions that linger and some fine tuning that can occur, but a well played battle has been won.
Stay tuned for the unofficial official Swordgate Poster v6.0 update that will present the full sword inventory (we’ve hit 25!) with summaries of the primary hypothesis, 3D analysis, hilt design, metallurgy, morphometrics, and bivalve mold casting.
Keep it real. Keep it Swordgate.
Many thanks and congratulations are extended to all the Swordgaters that crowdsourced the finds, the data, and that provided discussion used to build the knowledge base for the model. We can all split the reward and reap the glory. There are still a few unanswered questions that linger and some fine tuning that can occur, but a well played battle has been won.
Stay tuned for the unofficial official Swordgate Poster v6.0 update that will present the full sword inventory (we’ve hit 25!) with summaries of the primary hypothesis, 3D analysis, hilt design, metallurgy, morphometrics, and bivalve mold casting.
Keep it real. Keep it Swordgate.
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