Later Roman knife by Erik Konig

[Peroni]

"The scabbard is reproduced after the discoveries of Eining and Augusta Raurica. The blade is a replica of several discoveries on the Limes. Dated from the middle of the 3rd century AD.

This type of knife makes its appearance in the middle of the 2nd century AD and disappears toward the end of 4th.

Many models of this type of knife exist with different forms. Today approximately 200 scabbards of this style have been discovered.

(Photos from www.replik-online.de )

[Primvs Pavlvs]

I have a photo of a similar scabbard from Vindonissa.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

He showed me a pic of this as a possible sidearm for a late second cent centurion a year or so ago. It is pretty nice. I could see a gladius scabbard to go with it... 8)

[Martin Moser]

For anyone interested, the literature (of course there's more, but that's the most recent, comprehensive one) for this is:

Ludwig Berger. Durchbrochene Messerfutterale (Thekenbeschläge) aus Augusta Raurica. Forschungen in Augst, Band 32. Ein Beitrag zur provinzialrömischen Ornamentik. 122 Seiten mit 113 Abbildungen, 10 Tafeln und 7 Karten.

[Peroni]

Excellent Martin! Thank you

[Martin Moser]

Excellent Martin! Thank you

You're welcome :-) )

off-topic:
Why is it that many (if not most) people seem to make such a mystery of their sources?

[Peroni]

Found it here..
http://www.augustaraurica.ch/publ/forschung.htm

http://www.augustaraurica.ch/publ/fo32-g.jpg

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Well, I just read for self education, and unfortunately, I do not always
mentally note the precise source of my references, and usually come out with thing when I get a mental trigger,.....does that help?

Others may have more mechavelian motives though.... :lol: :wink: (even if they can spell better and quote sources to infinity... :lol: )

[John Conyard]

The large rounded chape does seem reminiscent of 3rd century sword chapes. It is a beautiful piece.

I would be interested in any 4th century metal fittings for knife scabbards, if any exist. "Large knives" were certainly still used by some of the military.

I suspect many of us read for fun and frankly can't be bothered citing sources, or have forgotten them. But that does leave statements open to challenge. References are certainly useful to build an argument. Those who hide references for proffessional or devious motives perhaps need to be more open and honest.