Hi Andy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

You have a replica of a Roman gladiator's sword, similar to ones sold at museums throughout Italy. Paying homage to the craftsmanship and technique of metalsmiths in the Roman Empire, many are rough iron foundry castings made to emulate weapons cast 2000 years ago. Most were made of iron, but some are made of bronze; if it's iron, it's magnetic, if it's bronze it isn't.
Contemporary examples are marketed as both "suitable for both home and garden," the latter suggesting these are sometimes used as a stake in the ground, which would explain the rusting on the blade.

Replica gladiator swords are collectible to both serious edged blade collectors as well as less serious ones and usually sell at auction for between $400-700.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage iron or bronze replica gladiator sword
Probably early-mid 20th Century
The hilt in the form of a standing ban with arms aloft, a stylized anthemion between its legs and standing on two lions.
18 inches long
CONDITION: With oxidation and rusting to the blade and rubbing to high points.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$400-700*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia