Spatha, any oppinions?

[Martin Wallgren]

A friend found this Spatha on the net and we need oppinions on it. As for the blade it is a blunted sword and it could be used in lighter showfights but how about the handle and the scabbard?

In what periods would you put it? Could it be used for a Late late (400-500) impression?

thankful for answers...

Martin

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Deepeeka?

[Martin Wallgren]

Might be... sold through Kaufraum in Gemany.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

The other stuff on his site looks like Deepeeka, as do the part numbers!

It is actually not too bad looking, in that picture! Sorry, I'm not exactly helping on the dating question, am I! :roll:

[Robert]

The site text offers some answers:

Dies ist der berühmte "Spatha", das verlängerte Stoss-Schwert der römischen Legions-Soldaten, das nach Meinung der Experten zum Ende des 2. Jhdts. im Gebiet der Donau und des Limes entwickelt worden ist.

(the elongated sword which was developed at the end of the 2 de century in the Donau and Limes area (Germania inferior and superior))

Die Schneiden sind stumpf, deshalb ist dieses Schwert für leichten Schaukampf zugelassen.

Die Kunstlederscheide ist mit Messing beschlagen.
Der Handgriff ist aus Knochenmaterial, ähnlich einem Fundstück, dessen Reste in einem Legionärsgrab in „Colonia Agrippina“ (Köln) gefunden worden sind

(the bone grip is derived from a find in a legionairs tomb in Koln)

I believe the spatha stayed around for a long time after the end of the second century, but advise to look at the chape design for a more accurate dating. I would place this somewhere mid third century, but am sure others are far more knowledgeable on this.

[Aurelianus]

That IS a Deepeeka sword. I'm not sure but I think it's the old Spatha from them. Not really useable for any showfights (in my opinion)

http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic. ... ght=ah2001

[Marcus Mummius]

Off topic, I know but I noticed on this website a picture of the new deepeeka pompei gladius:

http://www.bueker-gmbh.de/pics//l/AH4211N.jpg

The locket appears to have already lost the extra pieces that were added in the new edition...

You can see these extra nailed on pieces here:

http://www.armae.com/Photos/sword/114PDSW132E.jpg

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

I see what you mean! They were on the original it was modled n?

[Marcus Mummius]

I see what you mean! They were on the original it was modled n?

They aren't on the original any more but without a better photo I can't say they were never there. These extra band are missing on most originals but traces of them can be seen.

Here you can see a recostruction by Matt Lukes who put on the extra bands:




Here's a picture from Roman Coins, of the original:



I'd like to look at this locket up close...

Vale,

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q315 ... ome055.jpg

Not the best quality, but here is one from Leeds.

[Chuck Russell]

i have the deepeeka verson of the spatha that was asked about. no it would not make a very good blunted weapon. i believe there is a rat tail that is welded onto the tang, this could be a weak spot in the sword for reenacting. also, one good hit to the pommel or hilt would send the sudo-ivory pieces flying along with the wood/carboard filler. also this sword handles liked like a club, very tip heavy and not good for controling.

[brennivs - tony drake]

I agree with Chuck it would be no good to fight with Ive repared quiet a few of these ,mainly fitting a complete new tang :lol: on the other hand the scabbard fittings, slide is from Saalburg and maybe the chape?the date is late 2nd AD to early 3rd AD as well as the blade. The handle however is a crude Koln 4th AD dont no why they put this type of sword together. I would strip the handle off and put a more suitable one on , but be careful that tang might snap of :lol:
Regards Brennivs

[Martin Wallgren]

Thanx Folks!

Gotta go with a Paul binns I think for some good reenactment swords. I have a ongoing conversation with him about making a few late late spatha/early Medieval blades fit for reenactment.