I really need to take a break from Swordgate this morning and finish installing a medicine cabinet in the bathroom. But I wanted to pass on this link (posted by someone on the Canadian Archaeological Association Facebook page) to more modern reproduction swords available on Ebay.
Image of iron "Design Toscano Gladiator's Sword of Pompeii" available for sale on Ebay. These swords are iron and are available in quantity. Here is the description:
"Paying homage to the craftsmanship and technique of metalsmiths in the Roman Empire, our exclusive museum replica is a rough iron foundry casting like those found in Pompeii. This remarkably heavyweight replica boasts characteristic details, and makes a handsome gift for yourself or anyone who enjoys Roman history or artifacts."
The design of the hilt is obviously very similar (if not identical) to the bronze/brass swords from Florida, California, Italy (Ebay), and Nova Scotia. What's potentially significant is that the description identifies the sword as a "museum replica . . . like those found in Pompeii."
Does this get us closer to determining whence this sword design comes? The statement certainly implies that the design is based on a real Roman artifact, and it gives a geographic origin. Or perhaps these copies are based on one of the brass/bronze swords that may have been produced (perhaps from a Roman or Greek original and perhaps not) sometime in the recent past (i.e., within the last three hundred years or so).
"Paying homage to the craftsmanship and technique of metalsmiths in the Roman Empire, our exclusive museum replica is a rough iron foundry casting like those found in Pompeii. This remarkably heavyweight replica boasts characteristic details, and makes a handsome gift for yourself or anyone who enjoys Roman history or artifacts."
The design of the hilt is obviously very similar (if not identical) to the bronze/brass swords from Florida, California, Italy (Ebay), and Nova Scotia. What's potentially significant is that the description identifies the sword as a "museum replica . . . like those found in Pompeii."
Does this get us closer to determining whence this sword design comes? The statement certainly implies that the design is based on a real Roman artifact, and it gives a geographic origin. Or perhaps these copies are based on one of the brass/bronze swords that may have been produced (perhaps from a Roman or Greek original and perhaps not) sometime in the recent past (i.e., within the last three hundred years or so).
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