Eagle gladius hilt

[Daniel S Peterson]

I do not think there is any question that the supposed "Eagle and Duck Ceremonial Dagger" at the link in in fact a fitting to a Roman passenger wagon, that had an iron blade stuck into the arpeture. The duck neck is designed to "hold" the leathrs straps. Sometimes this is represented by a cast bronze human finger. This is a good example though to see why the first "eagle pommel" discussed, is also just a wagon fitting and not a piece of Roman military equipment.<br>
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Dan <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Dan<br>
<br>
I have seen a similar thing with the Gladitors kit at the Naples museum ... is it likely to be the same thing ?<br>
<br>
Conal <p></p><i></i>

[Daniel S Peterson]

Conal,<br>
I don't recall seeing it when I was there about four years ago, but if it has a big base socket and something to form the strap hook, I am sure it is a wagon part. Other popular subjects for these are griffens, lions and tigers.<br>
When I was there, I was told there was going to be a new, big catalog of the collection made, but never saw it. I think the display cases should be in a museum themselves. Wavy glass full of bubbles. They may be close to 200 years old themselves!<br>
<br>
Dan<br>
<p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

I have a pikky somewhere ... will try & post or e-mail.<br>
<br>
Conal <p></p><i></i>

[Uwe Bahr]

... better post, please.<br>
<br>
Uwe <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

I have tried and failed<br>
<br>
If anyone wants to see it & post it on my behalf please e-mail me at [email protected] .<br>
<br>
Conal <p></p><i></i>

[Dan Diffendale]

Here's the pic from Conal:<br>
<br>
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/DannoUlpius/EaglePommelThing.jpg"/> <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Dan<br>
<br>
Just realised the image I have may not be from Naples museum. But I am sure that I saw something similar with a blade which seemed to be set at the wrong angle in relation to the grip so that when held in the hand ( of that is what it was for ) the flat of the blade would be parralel to the ground. I assumed that it was meant to be push dagger of some sort with a type of pistol grip.<br>
<br>
One of our Ratites is posting the image for me.<br>
<br>
Conal<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>

[Daniel S Peterson]

Even though it has a gladiator motiff, the head projects our exactly where it should to be a "wagon part". but let's face it, think how tempting it would be for a dealer to shove some rusty sword ballade into the orifice, converting a mundane wagon part to a "special purpose gladiator sword". Heck, it could have even been done in Roman times, though this doesn't change that fact that "sword" was made from a bronze wagon fitting.<br>
<br>
Dan <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Dan,<br>
<br>
Where abouts on a wagon would this go ... is it a rein guide ?<br>
<br>
Ref swords where are the hoards<br>
<br>
Every one else gets a hoard now & again ... just one little Sica would do !!!<br>
<br>
Still we have got the unpublished manica to come<br>
<br>
Conal <p></p><i></i>