Description:

Rome, ca. 100 CE. This is a small short dagger, known as a pugio, used by Roman soldiers as a sidearm. The dagger has a distinctive squat triangular shape with an echoing triangular ridge; it has a flat, straight guard and a similarly shaped tang that would have been covered by a handle made of some perishable material like leather or wood. The Romans are said to prefer stabbing weapons and senators or other prominent citizens are known to have carried daggers to prevent subterfuge -- or to carry it out! The most famous victim of a pugio: Julius Caesar. Size: 7.8" L x 2.8" W (19.8 cm x 7.1 cm).

Provenance: Ex- John Piscopo Collection, San Diego, CA

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#111704

  • Condition: This dagger has a largely pale green patina and some light wear to the blade but the shape is clear.

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March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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