Plan Drawing of Segontium Gladius

[Vitruvius]

Ave Y'all !
Just wondering if any of you good folk have a drawing of the Segontium Gladius....the Ivory Hilted one with the rectangular "Ricasso"? I vaguely remember a book that I haven't had in years showing said plan. If anyone has a copy of the plan or drawing they could put on the board, I would be very appreciative of it as I wish to construct a copy of it. I do believe that it was an "auxilary's " sword.
Thanks in advance,
Salve ,
Vitruvius.....aka Larry Mager

[brennivs - tony drake]

Hi I have a pic of it but will check my books for drawing or better pics :woot:

Regards Brennivs

[Crispvs]

I suspect you may be thinking of the Osprey title 'The Roman Army from Hadrian to Contantine'. There is certainly a line drawing of the Segontium gladius in that.

Crispvs

[Vitruvius]

Ave Brenius and Crispus,
I appreciate your help and , yes, I used to have that book....Sadly, I do not any more, but I think that I will request said book through Inter-Library Loan in the next day or two. Just for Grins and Giggles, After seeing Brenius' Pix of the real sword, It reminded me that, like I have seen in Science-fiction fandom, oft times, the Fan made versions are better made than the "pro" made version because (and this was and is still true), the "Pros" have to "Make it quick, make it cheap, and make it look good only so far as it is seen on the screen"......or in the Romans case....look good while slicing and dicing the enemy.......
Salve, my Friends,
Vitruvius, aka.......Larry A. Mager

[Paul Elliott]

Larry, did you say 'ricasso'? Is there one on the Segontium gladius?

[Vitruvius]

Ave Mithras,
I referred to the Gladius as having a square "Ricasso", but I may have miss-named the part of the base of the blade because as I remember the drawing, tgere was a large octangular base where the blade touched the guard. I remember reading that it was an oddity because of the 8 sided
part of the blade base. Iwill get a copy of the book and see if I am remembering correctly or if the dreaded "Old Fella's Disease" has struck.......lol
All I can say is "Stay tuned!"
Salve,
Vitruvius......aka Larry Mager

[Paul Elliott]

I've got the book, but am very ill! I will get it out as soon as I can get downstairs!

[Paul Elliott]

In the book Michael Simkins calls it a 'scabbard tightener'

[Vitruvius]

Ave, Mithras,
I look forward to you publishing the plans, but FIRST and FOREMOST, PLEASE do whatever is necessary to get well!!!!!!! Jaqui and I hope that it is soon that you do!!!!!
Literally, Our BEST WISHES to You
Vitruvius.......aka Larry Mager

[Paul Elliott]

Thanks Larry, I've hauled myself to the PC... let's see:



Simkins describes it as a "gladius of unusual type and uncertain date, poss late 1st C"
"The striking feature of this find is the blade itself, which is, thus far, unique in that the upper half inch is of hexagonal section, while the remainder of the blade is of the normal flattened diamnd associated with Roman swords. The hexagonal section projected slightly at the sides and was probably for tightening the weapon in the scabbard!

There is no cross-sectional drawing.

[Vitruvius]

Ave, Mithras,
Thank you VERY much,my friend, but I would have Gladly waited until you felt better...... Thank you for printing the drawing. I think that it would be cheaper to use American Holly, in place of the Ivory, not to mention a lot less hassle. I'm going to take a few days to take care of some things and then draw it out full size. I wonder what the Scabbard looked like. Any Suggestions?
Thanks again,, and get Well Soon,
Salve,
Vitruvius......aka Larry Mager

[Vitruvius]

Ave again, Mithras,
Jaqui ( my VERY BEST half) is a retired Nurse and upon viewing these posts told me to let you know that if there is ANY thing that we can do to help you over your illness to let us know.
Salve as always,
Vitruvius and Antonia..........aka Larry and Jaqui Mager

[Paul Elliott]

That's very kind, I'm on the mend now settling my stomach with a bit of mashed potato for tea! Simkins mentions the scabbard too:

"the remains of the scabbard were removed by the finder ...however since the blade ... has suffered the worst corrosion approximately two-thirds of the distance from the shoulders, the scabbard was most probably of the Pompeii type, ie. a scabbard with separate locket and chape metals, with a length of exposed wood and leather sheathing in between, the latter giving the least protection to the blade in its centuries of burial."

"The hilt parts are all of elephant ivory. The guard is almost circular in plan, the slight oval being dictated by the section of tusk from which it was cut. The underside was recessed in the usual fashion: however, there is no trace of a bronze guard plate being installed and it mus be assumed a pad of hide or hard wood was used. The handgrip is not of the normal pattern, while the hexagonal section can be found elsewhere (Colchester Castle Museum) there are also 3 raised ribs in this case. It appears the grip was split slightly at the upper end when the hilt parts were mounted on the tang. Caused by driving wooden slips down between the tang and the ivory. To cover the fault a strip of tinned bronze was wrapped around the damaged area".

He goes on to say the ivory pommel was irregular, either badly drilled or a design feature to stop it blocking the wrist when sword held extended.

Thats all Simkins has to say on the sword now. Good luck Larry!

[Vitruvius]

Ave, Mithras,
Antonia and I are happy to hear you are on the mend. I too, have had Mashed potatoes to ease stomach problems. Thanks for the further info on the scabbard. I am looking forward to getting this gladius made. Again, Mithras, if there is ANYTHING short of loaning you 1,000,000. lbs. (lol)
let us know.
Salve 4 now,
Larry and Jaqui Mager aka....Vitruvius and Antonia

[brennivs - tony drake]

RATS Mithras you beat me too it :x Just come home to post drawing and you have done it :mad: :mad: However hope it is useful to you Vitruvius I know of a copy of the origonal so I have emailed to get photos and measurements ect will send too you when I have them
Regards Brennivs