09-08-2004, 11:59 PM
Avete!<br>
<br>
Yes, as I recall, the previous piece with solid bronze pommel and guard was also from North Africa, might even have been a similar story of its provenence. So this makes the second known unstratified sword from that era and area with such a construction, while no others that I know of have been published. If one turns up in a proper archeological context, of course, I'll be a lot more excited.<br>
<br>
Perhaps it's just my skepticism at work, but that blade looks an awful lot like a quama. And I notice interesting little theories in the description, such as this pommel and guard probably being gilded, while on most swords they were just wood sheathed in bronze. And the bending of the blade possibly being caused by a "blow from a heavier weapon." Hmm....<br>
<br>
Matthew/Quintus <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Yes, as I recall, the previous piece with solid bronze pommel and guard was also from North Africa, might even have been a similar story of its provenence. So this makes the second known unstratified sword from that era and area with such a construction, while no others that I know of have been published. If one turns up in a proper archeological context, of course, I'll be a lot more excited.<br>
<br>
Perhaps it's just my skepticism at work, but that blade looks an awful lot like a quama. And I notice interesting little theories in the description, such as this pommel and guard probably being gilded, while on most swords they were just wood sheathed in bronze. And the bending of the blade possibly being caused by a "blow from a heavier weapon." Hmm....<br>
<br>
Matthew/Quintus <p></p><i></i>
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
