LOT 0255

Roman Iron Dagger with Ring Pommel

CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

22 7/8 in. (376 grams, 58 cm).

Featuring a distinctively shaped ring at the end of the grip, double-edged relatively short blade and a tapered tip.

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Cf. Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, pls.46-51, for similar swords; also D'Amato, R., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, London, 2009, p.88.

This kind of sword - called by modern scholars as ringknaufschwert or ring-pommel sword - was firstly diffused amongst the auxiliary troops, probably Sarmatians and Germans, and then, during the 2nd century A.D., was also commonly used amongst the milites legionis and the officers. The shape of their blades is similar to the Pompey typology, but a slightly less acute angle characterises the passage from the blade to the short point.

There were longer specimens like spatha, opening the transformation of the legionary gladius in the longer spatha specimens of the successive period, and also shorter specimens. An important dating element for earlier specimens is the sword from the Matrica grave, in Pannonia, dated exactly to 147 A.D. based on the other grave goods. Specimens of the second half of 2nd century A.D. are known from Wehringen and Geneva (180 A.D.). A specimen from Bosnia could be chronologically assigned to the same period, although such kind of swords became much more widespread for infantry and cavalry in later times. However, the importance of such swords has been recently associated with the rank of the provincial officers who used them, including miniature variations of such swords used as pendants as insignia badge of the staff of the Provincial governors. It was connected with the image of the sword and the dagger as a symbol of the Imperial power.