DESCRIPTION: 2nd-3rd century AD. A hollow-cast bronze pommel in the form of a Ram's head, flattened ears and pronounced horns. 60mm x 40mm very heavy 217 grams. CONDITION: Excellent antique condition, desirable even green patina, very sound and ready to display, comes with an Ashwood plinth. All items come with an information sheet. FREE UK DELIVERY We ship to the EU, USA, Australia, New Zealand. PLEASE CALL FOR A SHIPPING PRICE BEFORE PURCHASING. Return within ten days for a 100% refund. UK buyers only
Obviabis – Is the swords pommel. The pommel acts as a counter weight balancing the sword as well as preventing the hand from sliding off the grip.
Around the first century B.C. an iron sword was adopted, being two edged with parallel sides and having an obtuse angled point. The hilt had a cross-guard with short quillons having bulbous tips. The grip was either of wood, bone or ivory and swelled out into a globular or shaped pommel, the favourite shape being the head of a wild animal of the species met in the arena.
The sword was carried in an ornamental scabbard, slung on the left side. It is easy to see how the Roman soldiers got their well deserved reputation for bravery, when one considers that to get within killing range with such a short sword, against adversaries armed with the long sword, lance or javelin, must have demanded personal courage of a very high order.
These items from the distant past do tend to send the mind spinning. Who made/owned them, how did they survive? The questions go on, and cannot be answered. It's the intrigue that's the interest.
