ID for very heavy artifact

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Copper alloy; 7.4 ounces (212gm) x 48mm/32mm

As seen in the photo, there are a pair of matching cast grooves about the lower circumference.
Above the top, residual remains of a 12mm iron emplacement of some sort.

Other than the old green patina, I have no clue whatsoever as to its era, nor use, other than everything was
created for a specific purpose, you know?

Any help from our experts will be truly appreciated!

Best to all,

Kevin

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Apologies in advance for putting this on the incorrect board. Perhaps one of our moderators can move it?

Anyway, I think I may have found its use. A pommel for a 1st Cent gladius?

Yeah, I know that in all the pix of reconstructed or facsimiles of such gladius, they are always represented as with having a wooden pommel, right?

An iron gladius blade was heavy in hand. Such a pommel would have served as counterbalance, as well as being a crushing weapon too.

Just my thoughts,

Kevin

[*Alex]

Good thinking Kevin. That or a pugio maybe?

Alex

[Jay GT4]

Interesting piece Kev,

1st century gladii had the tang going through the pommel and then it was peened over to form a nut to hold everything in place.  Maybe from a celtic sword or something later?

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

In retrospect, Jay, I think you are correct.

I came across this photo showing medieval swords from the Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Note the shapes of the pommels are similar to mine and that a few appear to be copper alloy.
Perhaps were closing in?

[SC]

I think it is a post-Roman pommel, or at least a non-Roman pommel.

As far as I recall Celtic swords didn't use the pommel that became widespread later.  And the style is not Roman. 

But I also think it is pre-Viking so late-Roman era non-Roman or "dark ages" would be my guess.

SC