Just completed my interpretation of a late republic era Gladius Hispaniensis commission. This sword is based on the idea that the swords of the Celts served as possible inspiration for the shape and length of some Gladius Hispaniensis. The blade features a slight waisting and hollow-ground bevels.
The boxwood guard and pommel are made from the same block of wood. The beveled shape of the guard is based on a guard plate from one of the few surviving Gladius Hispaniensis blades. The blade is inset into a bronze guard plate that is countersunk into the bottom of the pommel. The overall shape of the guard is based on period art.
The pommel shape is based on period art and a survey of other late-republic era swords. The pommel is topped with a basic bronze rivet block into which the end of the tang is peened to secure the hilt furniture in place.
The grip is made from a block of holly and features a common, segmented shape.
Obviously, there are only hints as to what a Gladius Hispaniensis may have looked like intact. With this piece, I am not trying to say that this is the way that it would have looked. I am merely offering my interpretation of a possible configuration based on surviving blades, hilt pieces, and period art. I have to give credit to Peter Johnsson for many late night alcohol infused discussions about the Gladius Hispaniensis. I am not too proud to say that I borrowed liberally from the shape and features of a Gladius Hispaniensis that Peter made years ago. While it is true that many surviving blades feature a leaf shape, it is my opinion that this shape is over done in many modern reproductions. Peter’s design hints at a leaf shape without an exaggerated waisting of the blade. In addition, the blade is reminiscent of La Tené blades that feature a similar profile.
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 24.75″ (62,9 cm)
- Overall Length: 31.25″ (79,4 cm)
- Blade Width: 1.875″ (4,8 cm) features hollow-ground bevels
- POB from bottom of guard: 6″ (15,2 cm)
- Weight: 1.37 pounds (622.3 grams)
- Blade Steel: 1080
- Hilt Furniture: Boxwood guard and pommel with bronze guard plate and bronze rivet block. Segmented grip made from a block of holly.
Price for similar piece:
- Similar hilt with flat bevels, $1,800 USD (plus shipping)
- Similar hilt with hollow-ground bevels, $2,300 USD (plus shipping)
Crown Forge 
I am the happy owner of this beautiful sword. Working with Eric was a pleasure as he aims for 100% customer satisfaction. The fit and finish are amazing and at least the equal to my Albion and other custom pieces. Although no known hilts are available for this specific type of Roman sword I feel he did a outstanding job based upon what we do know. Unlike many reproductions this sword is not over-sized and not over-weight. It feels just heavy enough to get the job it was meant to do done.