Excellently forged iron sword with three parallel medial ribs. The cutting edges almost parallel, the point triangular. The 12.5 cm tang with a flat, lozenge-shaped end. Military insignia in fine inlay work (copper or bronze) on both sides at the root of the blade. On one side, the god of war Mars in armour with helmet, lance and shield; on the other side, a standard with a legionary eagle flanked by field insignia. Image sizes 3.5 x 6 cm and 3 x 6 cm respectively. Good iron substance. Professionally preserved. Chipping on the edges. Length 77.5 cm.Similar, elaborately decorated swords of this type are known from South Shields, England, and from Hromovka. See T. J. Horbacz and M. Odledzki, Roman Inlaid Swords. Journal of Roman Military Equipment Studies 9 (1998), pp. 19-30.Provenance: From a South German private collection.Condition: II -