Hod Hill sword

[Caballo]

At the British Museum today, so took some pictures of the 1st century Hod Hill auxillary sword. Peronis and Celer have long put up with my view that this is a great sword.....

Anyway some pictures:-




I'll post separately more pictures of first century Celtic sword and the Meyrick helmet.

[Matthew Amt]

Oh, nice, thanks for posting those! Nate Bell has a wonderful repro of this:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/HdHlhlt.jpg

It's generally thought to be a native piece, but I'm seeing Roman influence in it, such as the ribbed grip! Too cool.

Matthew

[Caballo]

Thanks, Matt. You're right to see Roman influence- Bishop & Coulston, Miks and Stead all see this as an example of where Roman troops (auxillaries) were using native or native inspired weapons. The find spots of this and other "crown and cockade" also back this up. The BM label has it as " a large straight sided Roman sword with Celtic side decoration on the hilt fittings".
If you'd like more pics, let me know.

Cheers
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[Peroni]

Nate Bell's repro differs in that his pommel is round, but the original is oval.. Is that the Manning Imperial one?

[Matthew Amt]

Nate Bell's repro differs in that his pommel is round, but the original is oval.. Is that the Manning Imperial one?

I believe it is from Manning, though I'm not certain. I never razzed Nate about the pommel shape, since overall the sword is FABULOUS. Excellent scabbard, as well.

Matthew