A large Roman Legionnaire Pugio (Dagger), Roman Imperial, ca. 2nd - 3rd century CE The A List European Works of Art

European Works of Art

artists of the Moche cultures excelled at the creation of “portrait vessels

Provenance:  Originally part of the 1900 excavations of the Egyptian Research Account at Abydos North Cemeteries: Cemetery E

Anavian Family Collection acquired over 30 years ago by David and Henry Anavian

Strung on an 18K gold chain with an adjustable length of up to 18 inches

A large Roman Legionnaire Pugio (Dagger), Roman Imperial, ca. 2nd - 3rd century CE The A List European Works of ArtThis very large, impressive pugio (dagger) is hand forged from iron, and features the characteristic pronounced curved blade and a longitudinal channel on both sides defining a rib. Daggers, such as this example, would have carried an entirely organic grip of wood and a pommel most probably of bone. Such daggers have been found at German frontier forts. Like the gladius (Roman short sword), the pugio is of Spanish origin, acclimated for Roman use.