Central Europe – Late Bronze Age Bronze Hallstadt Bronze Dagger with Preserved Handle - 28 cm

Ancient bronze dagger attributed to the Central European Hallstatt cultural horizon / Early Iron Age, with a long double-edged blade and preserved integral handle section.

The blade has a strong, approximately triangular outline and tapers evenly towards a long, slightly rounded point. Both cutting edges run almost straight along the length of the blade and display irregularities consistent with considerable age and possible ancient use.

In cross-section, the blade is comparatively flat, giving the weapon a characteristic slender profile.

At the lower end, the blade continues into a narrow bronze handle. The handle is distinctly narrower than the blade and terminates in a slightly widened and rounded end. The transition between blade and handle is clearly defined.

The entirely bronze construction belongs to the long tradition of Bronze Age edged weapons that continued into the Early Iron Age and Hallstatt period. Although iron became increasingly important for the manufacture of weapons during this period, bronze continued to be used for weapons, fittings and prestigious objects.

Bronze and iron weapons are both documented within the Hallstatt cultural sphere, reflecting the technological transition between the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

Cultural and Chronological Classification

Based on its general form and construction, the dagger can be placed within the Central European Hallstatt horizon.

In the absence of a documented archaeological find context, a deliberately broader dating to the Early Iron Age, approximately 8th–6th century BC, is preferable to assigning the object to a narrowly defined subtype.

Bronze weapons are well documented within the Hallstatt cultural sphere. Examples of bronze edged weapons are also known from the important archaeological cemetery at Hallstatt itself.

The attribution and dating given here are therefore based primarily on typological comparison, material, construction and stylistic characteristics.

Condition

Age-appropriate condition with a pronounced ancient surface and patina.

The bronze displays a dark brown to dark green patina, with substantial areas of green copper corrosion products and mineral deposits. Some areas show stronger corrosion and encrustation.

The cutting edges display age-related irregularities and small areas of material loss.

Both the blade and integral handle section are preserved. The point shows wear and is slightly rounded.

Overall, the dagger retains a highly characteristic, naturally aged archaeological surface.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

Included in the Sale

The sale includes the ancient bronze dagger only.

The modern display stand visible in the photographs is used solely for presentation and is not included in the sale.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.

Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.

The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.

Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.