03-29-2015, 12:31 AM
As per the suggestion of Crispvs, I am starting this topic to showcase the improvements that I am making on my gladius. Back in November, after starting a topic on what gladius to buy, I decided to buy the Al-Hamdd Optio gladius. I did not listen to all of the advice given to me at the time, so I did not end up with the best sword I could have bought. To make up for that, I decided to make the sword authentic myself. After talking with Crispvs and gather info from posts on the forum, I made up a list of all the things I needed to modify in order to make the gladius acceptable.
Here is what I will do:
#1. A new hilt
I have decided to replace the Indian hardwood hilt with one made of basswood. The hilt will have a Nijmegen pommel and guard, with a wooden octagonal grip. It will have no brass guard plate, as I have read that it is not authentic for a Pompeii gladius, but it will have a decorative pommel nut.
#2. New locket plates
The locket plates on the Al-Hamdd gladius seem to be out of proportion and do not bear much resemblance to the original findings. These plates will be replaced with locket plates modelled on the example from Xanten which will be silvered.
#3. A chape plate
I have chosen to replicate a chape plate from Mik's, which is shown in a state of semi-completion in the topic "Gladius Chape Plate". My design differs slightly from the original, but the difference is quite small and was unavoidable because of a mistake made while punching the design. Once completed, this scabbard piece will be silvered.
#4. A palmette
Since this is a feature of Pompeii gladii, a palmette is to be made. This palmette will be made of silvered brass, like all of the other scabbard components.
#5. Small improvements
Some smaller things will also be changed on my gladius. A retaining band will be added to the back of the chape, as well as the length of the tang will be shortened to fit the new hilt. A baldric made of dyed leather will be added to suspend the sword. The silly mirror finish will also be taken off, and roughed up with some 400 and 1500 grit sandpaper.
Any further input from others is greatly appreciated! I want to make this gladius as accurate as possible, so if I have not included in my list a necessary modification then please tell me! This topic will be updated frequently with progress that I have made. All people who help or have helped with be mentioned in the credits once the project is complete!
Here is what I will do:
#1. A new hilt
I have decided to replace the Indian hardwood hilt with one made of basswood. The hilt will have a Nijmegen pommel and guard, with a wooden octagonal grip. It will have no brass guard plate, as I have read that it is not authentic for a Pompeii gladius, but it will have a decorative pommel nut.
#2. New locket plates
The locket plates on the Al-Hamdd gladius seem to be out of proportion and do not bear much resemblance to the original findings. These plates will be replaced with locket plates modelled on the example from Xanten which will be silvered.
#3. A chape plate
I have chosen to replicate a chape plate from Mik's, which is shown in a state of semi-completion in the topic "Gladius Chape Plate". My design differs slightly from the original, but the difference is quite small and was unavoidable because of a mistake made while punching the design. Once completed, this scabbard piece will be silvered.
#4. A palmette
Since this is a feature of Pompeii gladii, a palmette is to be made. This palmette will be made of silvered brass, like all of the other scabbard components.
#5. Small improvements
Some smaller things will also be changed on my gladius. A retaining band will be added to the back of the chape, as well as the length of the tang will be shortened to fit the new hilt. A baldric made of dyed leather will be added to suspend the sword. The silly mirror finish will also be taken off, and roughed up with some 400 and 1500 grit sandpaper.
Any further input from others is greatly appreciated! I want to make this gladius as accurate as possible, so if I have not included in my list a necessary modification then please tell me! This topic will be updated frequently with progress that I have made. All people who help or have helped with be mentioned in the credits once the project is complete!
Regards, Jason
