1076 - Replica of an ancient Italian hoplite sword, circa 1900

Replica of an ancient Italian hoplite sword, circa 1900 The shape of the hilt with its bulging sides, the crossguard, and the shield-shaped pommel (derived from a pelt-shaped pommel) are intended to represent an iron hoplite sword with a bronze scabbard. However, the stylistic and technical features are not entirely consistent or accurately rendered. While the stepped opening of the scabbard at the top corresponds to similar features on the scabbards of original hoplite swords, However, the bell-shaped tip of the scabbard, as well as the knob on the back, are inspired by Celtic swords of the Middle La Tène period. This also applies to the banding of the scabbard plate on the front, which wraps around from the back. The bell-shaped end of the scabbard has no counterpart in a bell-shaped crossguard, as found on Celtic swords, and thus does not form a logical conclusion. The blade, which tapers at the top directly beneath the crossguard, again corresponds in form to the blades of hoplite swords. The bone inlays on the sides at the hilt and pommel are, in turn, inspired by hoplite swords. However, they lack the intricate ornamentation, as the inlays are visible only along the edges. The front and back are covered with solid, flat metal plates without openwork, which do not correspond to the complex design of the hilt bands and scabbard mouths found on hoplite swords. To the layperson, it certainly gives the impression of a high-quality and exceptionally well-preserved archaeological find. The patina, corrosion, and holes in the scabbard are rendered quite convincingly. To the expert, however, the piece is exposed by its mixture of elements from different cultures, featuring characteristics that do not match technically or stylistically; even with some knowledge of ancient models, these elements are not always accurately imitated. Largely made from manipulated, ancient spare parts. The pommel is broken off at the bottom and was fitted with a pin some time ago; it has now been re-glued. As a piece from the Marzoli Collection, it is nonetheless of historical and research interest. Length 94.5 cm. Provenance: Axel Guttmann Collection (estate); acquired for this collection from the L. Marzoli Collection in the late 1980s. Condition: II–III