Ancient Greek Short sword
06
days
19
hours
36
minutes
54
seconds
Current bid
€ 900
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
 | €900 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €805 | |
| €705 | |
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Ancient Greek bronze short sword, circa 7th–6th century BC, 60 cm long and 531 g, with archaeological patination and an original tang, acquired from an auction house in France.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ARCHAIC GREEK – MONUMENTAL BRONZE SHORT SWORD – 60 CM
Culture: Ancient Greek
Period: Archaic Period
Date: circa 7th–6th century BC
Material: Bronze
Object: Short sword / sword blade
Length: 60 cm
Weight: 531 g
Description
An impressive Ancient Greek bronze short sword, attributed to the Archaic Period, circa 7th–6th century BC.
The weapon measures an exceptional 60 cm in length and preserves a long, slender double-edged blade of elegant proportions.
The blade gradually tapers towards the point and is strengthened by a pronounced longitudinal central midrib, accompanied by parallel longitudinal mouldings extending along much of its length. This reinforced construction provided rigidity while maintaining a relatively slender profile.
At the base, the blade expands into broad, gently rounded shoulders before terminating in a short solid tang, originally concealed within an organic hilt, most probably made from wood, bone or another perishable material, now lost.
The substantial dimensions and weight — 60 cm and 531 g — give the weapon a particularly imposing character.
The surface preserves extensive archaeological patination, with green and brown copper corrosion products, mineral deposits, pitting and irregular surface alteration. The cutting edges display losses and wear consistent with the archaeological condition of the object.
The attribution to the Ancient Greek Archaic tradition is based on typological characteristics.
Condition
Archaeological condition. Extensive oxidation, mineralisation, encrustation and surface wear. Losses and irregularities along the cutting edges. The short tang is preserved, while the original organic components of the hilt are no longer present.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the complete condition.
References
A. M. Snodgrass, Early Greek Armour and Weapons: From the End of the Bronze Age to 600 B.C., Edinburgh, 1964.
A. M. Snodgrass, Arms and Armour of the Greeks, London, 1967.
ARCHAIC GREEK – MONUMENTAL BRONZE SHORT SWORD – 60 CM
Culture: Ancient Greek
Period: Archaic Period
Date: circa 7th–6th century BC
Material: Bronze
Object: Short sword / sword blade
Length: 60 cm
Weight: 531 g
Description
An impressive Ancient Greek bronze short sword, attributed to the Archaic Period, circa 7th–6th century BC.
The weapon measures an exceptional 60 cm in length and preserves a long, slender double-edged blade of elegant proportions.
The blade gradually tapers towards the point and is strengthened by a pronounced longitudinal central midrib, accompanied by parallel longitudinal mouldings extending along much of its length. This reinforced construction provided rigidity while maintaining a relatively slender profile.
At the base, the blade expands into broad, gently rounded shoulders before terminating in a short solid tang, originally concealed within an organic hilt, most probably made from wood, bone or another perishable material, now lost.
The substantial dimensions and weight — 60 cm and 531 g — give the weapon a particularly imposing character.
The surface preserves extensive archaeological patination, with green and brown copper corrosion products, mineral deposits, pitting and irregular surface alteration. The cutting edges display losses and wear consistent with the archaeological condition of the object.
The attribution to the Ancient Greek Archaic tradition is based on typological characteristics.
Condition
Archaeological condition. Extensive oxidation, mineralisation, encrustation and surface wear. Losses and irregularities along the cutting edges. The short tang is preserved, while the original organic components of the hilt are no longer present.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the complete condition.
References
A. M. Snodgrass, Early Greek Armour and Weapons: From the End of the Bronze Age to 600 B.C., Edinburgh, 1964.
A. M. Snodgrass, Arms and Armour of the Greeks, London, 1967.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/timeframe
circa 7th–6th century BC
Name of object
Short sword
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
