2nd century AD. An iron pugio dagger blade with waisted two-edged blade, narrow pointed tip, broad shoulder and tapering tang; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Bishop, M.C. & Coulston, J.C.N. Roman Military Equipment From the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome, London, 1993. 1.8 kg total, 46.5cm including stand (18 1/4"). From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s. Very fine condition. Professionally cleaned and restored.