Vermont smith J. Loose has a new pattern-welded gladius on his website, soon to be available. The blade is apparently an ironic (?) commemoration of the Battle of Teutoburger Wald (the scabbard has yet to be finished, but will feature scenes from that battle) and really looks to be something special. J. Loose has previously produced some beautiful seax blades (also viewable on his site), but I believe this to be the first time he's tackled a sword of this type.
I'd call it a success.
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]
www.jloose.com

Mr. Loose' so-called "Sword of Arminius" is a very attractive piece. The blade is particularly beautiful.

Funny the Pompeii style gladius is not my favourite type but with this superb pattern welding the simplicity of the parallel edges complement the pattern very well: Could spend a lot of time just getting lost just looking at the pattern.

The rest of it looks great also.

( Edited: Had a look at the site and there are some pieces worth having a look see. ;) :cool: Also, damascus rings that could satisfy that " craving " for damascus at a lower cost than a knife or a sword. The price on the Pompeii seems reasonable considering the quality of the work if one has the money. Overall, impressive work. :cool: )

Nicely done.

Thanks for the compliments on the piece-

A couple notes... it is not intended to represent a sword that Arminius would himself have carried, nor will it really represent a historical reproduction. It is commemorative and allegorical; something that I envision might have been more likely to have been made around the turn of the most recent century. Hard concept for historically minded folks to accept. ;) It will be clear when the story panels are completed.

At first I thought I was intentionally making a complete anachronism with the Migration Era pattern on the gladius- I later found that there are examples with patterns very much like this one; however, the allegory and narrative in the object remain. Arminius was a barbarian soul raised in Roman form.

That's a beautiful blade J. Arthur. I love the patern on it. I'm eager to see the scabbard work.

Hi J. Loose,

That is a sweet blade!!! Very nice work as always and it is very nice to see you here.

Regards,

John

Mr. Loose also makes beautiful rings.

This is my wedding ring http://www.jloose.com/siteimages/golddamring.jpg.

Cheers
Jim