Central Europe – Late Bronze Age / Late Urnfield Period, / Hallstatt Bronze Large Late Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Strong Midrib and Socket - 40 cm

An exceptionally large and impressive Central European bronze spearhead, attributed to the Late Bronze Age / Late Urnfield tradition, circa 11th–10th century BC.

Measuring approximately 40 cm in length, the spearhead is distinguished by its long, elegant lanceolate to flame-shaped blade, exceptionally pronounced axial midrib and elongated hollow socket.

A powerful central midrib rises from the socket and continues almost the entire length of the blade, gradually disappearing shortly before the point. This strongly profiled construction provided rigidity and structural strength to the unusually long bronze blade.

On either side of the midrib, the blade surfaces slope towards the cutting edges. The blade reaches its greatest width in the lower section before narrowing in gently curved lines towards the socket.

The point is long and slender and remains well preserved.

The combination of its considerable size, elongated proportions, pronounced midrib and substantial socket gives the spearhead a particularly impressive and highly sculptural appearance.

Socket and Attachment

The blade merges directly into a long, tapering hollow socket, originally intended to receive a wooden shaft.

A small projecting lateral loop or eye is preserved near the transition between blade and socket. This feature was probably associated with the attachment or securing of the spearhead to its original wooden shaft.

The open lower end of the socket is preserved and clearly reveals its hollow construction.

Typology and Dating

Large socketed bronze spearheads with elongated blades and strongly developed midribs are known from the weapon repertoire of Late Bronze Age Central Europe, particularly within the Urnfield cultural tradition.

On typological grounds, the present spearhead can plausibly be placed within the Late Urnfield / Hallstatt B horizon, probably around Ha B1–B2, corresponding approximately to the 11th–10th century BC.

An interesting comparison is provided by recent archaeological discoveries from Somló Hill in western Hungary, an important Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age centre where several bronze hoards containing weapons and other metal objects have been investigated.

Among these finds is a large spearhead described in the archaeological literature as an “Alpine-style spearhead”, displaying an elongated blade, strong axial reinforcement and long socket.

The Somló example is not identical to the present spearhead and carries additional decoration that is absent here. It should therefore be regarded strictly as a typological and chronological comparison, rather than as evidence for a specific production centre or provenance.

The attribution of the present spearhead to the Late Urnfield / Hallstatt B tradition is based on its morphology and construction. In the absence of a documented archaeological find context, a more precise regional attribution should remain open.

Function

The spearhead was originally mounted on a wooden shaft.

Its long hollow socket provided a substantial connection between the bronze head and the shaft, while the pronounced central midrib reinforced the long blade.

Late Bronze Age spears were important elements of the contemporary weapon repertoire and, depending on their dimensions and hafting, could be employed as thrusting or throwing weapons.

The unusually large dimensions and carefully developed structural profile of the present example make it a particularly striking representative of Late Bronze Age bronze weapon technology.

Surface and Patina

The bronze displays an attractive dark brown to almost black-brown patina, with areas of olive-green oxidation and lighter mineral deposits.

The raised areas of the central rib and socket show partially smoother and more exposed surfaces. Elsewhere, mineral accretions, oxidation and age-related surface changes remain visible.

The varied ancient surface emphasises the strongly modelled construction of the blade and its prominent central rib.

Condition

Good and substantially complete considering its considerable age.

The long blade and point are preserved.

The cutting edges display minor irregularities, small notches and localised losses consistent with age. The tip shows some rounding and wear.

The long hollow socket is likewise preserved, including the lateral attachment loop. The lower edge of the socket shows minor irregularities and small areas of material loss.

Age-related corrosion, oxidation, surface wear and mineral deposits are visible throughout.

No obvious modern additions or extensive restorations are identifiable from the photographs.

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

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

Comparative Reference

For typological and chronological comparison, see the recent archaeological research concerning the Late Bronze Age hoards from Somló Hill, western Hungary, including large bronze spearheads attributed to the Hallstatt B horizon.

The comparison is provided solely to illustrate related forms within the broader Central European Late Bronze Age weapon tradition and does not imply that the present spearhead originates from Somló or from the same archaeological context.

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.