I have seen dealers refer to these as
Gladius amulets before.
I don't believe that that is an accurate description.
Just because it bears a vague resemblance to a
gladius does not mean it is one. It is roughly sword shaped and has a knob at the top. If it is meant to be a
gladius it lacks a
handle. If you are going to the trouble of putting the know for a pommel why leave out a
handle?
The
Romans did make
fibula in the shape of genuine items but this is clearly not a
fibula or
fibula part.
Could well be a case of pareidolia - seeing a pattern or object that was not really intended. For example the well-known propeller belt plaques or stiffeners obviously do not represent propellers.
The second problem is the term
amulet. What is an
amulet?
Romans had various small objects -
fibula, belt plaques, furniture decorations, ear-rings, beads, hangers for belts/aprons/horse harness. There were some amulet-like objects that hung from necklaces - such as the
bulla symbolizing childhood.
They didn't have medals. The Roman's didn't have any wearable
military awards except the large round phalera and perhaps gilded
fibula.
Not sure how your object fastened on to anything. The round spot on the back does not appear to be a hole going through. Is it the base of a lost post or rivet
head? If so it was probably fastened to leather.
Until we see such an item in proper archaeological context we can't be sure what it is.
SC