DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 108
Ancient Roman Transitional Republican Gladius River Find, Late Republic 133-27 BCE
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
This compelling Ancient Roman river-find gladius blade appears to be a transitional Late Republican Period example, dating to approximately 133-27 BCE. The surviving iron blade shows a long, relatively flat profile with a narrow tang, squared shoulders at the base, and a gradually tapering point. Its form appears to bridge the earlier long Republican blade tradition and the shortening profile that would later develop into the Mainz-style gladius, making it an especially interesting study piece for collectors of Roman arms. The surface remains heavily covered in mineral accretion, oxidation, and earthen or river deposits, with a rough archaeological texture throughout. Rather than an over-cleaned relic, this example preserves the powerful as-found appearance of an excavated Roman military artifact.
Roman gladii and pugiones are commonly recovered from rivers, shallow crossings, bridge sites, and frontier waterways, especially in areas where Roman troops established forts, supply routes, temporary camps, and military crossings along major frontiers such as the Rhine and Danube. The banks, fords, and ancient crossing zones of the Rhine in particular are among the most prolific areas for Roman military discoveries. Weapons like this could have been lost during transport, military movement, bridge crossings, river operations, combat activity, or long-term abandonment near frontier sites. River-find examples often retain heavy deposits that are extremely difficult or impossible to remove safely, and aggressive attempts to chip them away can damage the surviving iron beneath.
The Late Roman Republic was one of the most violent and transformative periods in ancient history, marked by military expansion, political instability, widening wealth disparity, and a succession of civil wars that ultimately destroyed the republican system. From the era of Marius and Sulla through Pompey, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian, Rome was reshaped by ambitious generals and constant conflict. This turbulent period culminated in the rise of Augustus and the birth of the Roman Empire. A blade of this transitional type carries strong historical resonance, representing the military world that stood between the armies of the Republic and the professional legions of the Empire.
The deposits present on this blade are part of its archaeological character. Conservation methods such as chloride extraction or long-term distilled water baths may be possible, but they require time, patience, and proper expertise. We recommend displaying this piece as found, preserving its in-situ surface and excavation-style presentation. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to inspect all photographs carefully and request any additional close-ups, measurements, or information needed prior to bidding. These lots are offered as-is and represent fascinating archaeological river-find relics tied to powerful moments in Roman military history and discovery.
Provenance: Item consigned by a local antiquities collector.
Condition
★ ★
Honest Wear or As Found - Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Honest Wear or As Found - Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.
Available payment options
If you have not contacted Treasure Trove Auctions 512-221-2540 to arrange payment within 3 days of the time that invoice is sent, we will charge the credit card you used to register for the auction for the amount of your invoice.
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