I've recently decided that as a longtime fan of roman history it would be nice if I could own something with even the slightest authenticity. At the top of my list would be the Gladius. I know that this sounds a tall order and one that might be damn nbear inmpossible to fill. I'd like to try. So if anyone knows the location of such an item, or more realistically if anyone knows how I could could have my own working gladius made please feel free tro point me in the right direction.
Remember I don't want a list of replica designers only real will do.

Hey Christopher!

I found this blade on ebay...interested?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Roman-legionary-gladius-s...dZViewItem

Roman spear and arrow heads are easily obtained just about any time. Your best bet for a sword is going to be contacting and monitoring antiquities dealers steadily. In the past, sword fragments have been offered by some of these dealers (not sure which ones since I never wanted to pay the kind of $1000 + price such an item could easily command.)

Example dealers….

http://www.museumsurplus.com/RomanAntiquitiesPAGE1.htm
Currently has some actual Roman and Celtic arrowheads from the era of Gaulish Roman empire.

http://www.ancienttouch.com/roman%20arms.htm
Currently has some spear heads, shield boss, and I believe has had fragmented swords in the past which tempted me.

http://www.greekandromancoins.com/artifacts-c...39acf26bcf

Currently has a Greek spearhead and some arrowheads (next page.)

http://www.artemission.com/ViewItems.asp?Sear...ntiquities

Currently has several Persian swords, but might offer a Roman specimen if you monitor them or pre-arrange contact should they acquire one.

I would like to add that the Albion gladii are really awesome, and feel wicked in the hand. Too bad that there is stuff higher on my priority list :(

I read this as a question about where one could buy an original gladius. For safety, I would recommend only buying from a reputable dealer. I am not sure who that would be since I am unfamiliar with the antiquities trade, but I would caution you against buying an "original" from a venue like eBay. You should also expect to pay a premium price for such an item, should one be availabe anywhere. I am not sure what you mean by functional, unless you are referring to a reproduction. Any original gladii on the market will likely not be in "functional" condition. If you can clarify your needs we can better assist you.

Jonathan

Legally there are issues with commenting on active eBay auctions.

Therefore the following is not a comment:
:mad: :evil: :\ :wtf: :confused: :( :eek: :blush: :!: :surprised: :cry:

And I agree, you'll need to clarify what you are looking for. Authentic can either mean an antique - in which case, yes, your options are limited and expensive - or authentically made, in which case your options are a little more flexible.

Agreed, if you want an original Roman sword, you REALLY want to spend a few months studying the antiquities market. Ebay is filled with fakes, and you need to know how to recognize the bad dealers and their bad products. Many real artifacts could easily be looted or illegally exported, with all the hugely controversial implications therein. Legal and documentable original gladius blades are extremely rare, and very expensive. If you do manage to get one, it is likely to be mostly rust with an attitude, so it will not in any way be "functional".

If all of this convinces you that a reproduction is the way to go, or if that's what you meant in the first place, perhaps the Gladius page of my humble Legio XX site will help?

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/gladius.html

Good luck and Vale,

Matthew

If what you are looking for is an accurate and high quality reproduction, then as Al Muckart said, Albion is the first place to look. You might also want to have a look at this Pompeii gladius for a less common (but still, I understand, historically accurate) version.