Middle Eastern Bronze Short Sword
06
days
21
hours
58
minutes
26
seconds
Current bid
€ 335
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
 | €335 | |
|---|---|---|
| €315 | |
 | €103 |
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Description from the seller
Ancient Middle Eastern– Bronze Short Sword / Long Dagger with Winged Guard – Iron Age
Culture: Middle Eastern
Period: Iron Age
Date: circa 8th–7th century BC
Material: Bronze
Object: Short sword / long dagger blade with winged guard
Length: 59 cm
Weight: 468 g
Condition: Archaeological condition, with surface oxidation, mineral deposits, encrustations and areas of wear consistent with age. The original organic elements of the hilt are no longer preserved. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition.
Description
An impressive and unusually large bronze weapon blade from Middle Eastern
The weapon consists of a long and slender tapering blade, reinforced along its entire length by a pronounced central midrib.
Its most distinctive feature is the characteristic winged guard: two large curved lateral projections extend from the shoulders of the blade on either side of the short central tang. The tang originally served for the attachment of an organic hilt, probably made of wood or another perishable material, which is now lost.
The combination of the pronounced central rib, short tang and large curved wing-like guards is characteristic of a documented group of bronze weapons from North-Western Iran and the South Caspian region.
At 59 cm in length and 468 g in weight, this is a particularly substantial example of the type.
The surface preserves an extensive ancient patina with green, brown and reddish oxidation, together with mineral deposits and encrustations.
Comparable examples are discussed in:
Oscar White Muscarella, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp. 99–100, nos. 164–165.
Important:
The attribution and dating are based on stylistic and typological comparison with published archaeological and museum parallels.
Seller's Story
We are a gallery specialising in ancient art and archaeology, founded on a deep passion for history and the civilisations of the past.
Our work focuses on the research and careful selection of material evidence from the great civilisations of antiquity, with a particular interest in the Classical world, Etruscan, Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, and the Ancient Near East.
Our philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of objects that stand out not merely for their age, but also for their rarity, distinctive forms, historical significance and artistic merit. We favour unusual and carefully selected antiquities, often offering fascinating insights into lesser-known aspects of ancient civilisations.
Each object is thoughtfully selected and studied for its historical, stylistic and archaeological characteristics, with the aim of offering collectors authentic pieces of particular interest.
We believe that every antiquity holds a story, and that our role is to preserve, appreciate and pass on these remarkable testimonies of the past to a new generation of collectors.
Expertise, research, discerning selection and a passion for the ancient world are the principles that guide our work.
Every object has a story to tell.
Translated by Google TranslateAncient Middle Eastern– Bronze Short Sword / Long Dagger with Winged Guard – Iron Age
Culture: Middle Eastern
Period: Iron Age
Date: circa 8th–7th century BC
Material: Bronze
Object: Short sword / long dagger blade with winged guard
Length: 59 cm
Weight: 468 g
Condition: Archaeological condition, with surface oxidation, mineral deposits, encrustations and areas of wear consistent with age. The original organic elements of the hilt are no longer preserved. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition.
Description
An impressive and unusually large bronze weapon blade from Middle Eastern
The weapon consists of a long and slender tapering blade, reinforced along its entire length by a pronounced central midrib.
Its most distinctive feature is the characteristic winged guard: two large curved lateral projections extend from the shoulders of the blade on either side of the short central tang. The tang originally served for the attachment of an organic hilt, probably made of wood or another perishable material, which is now lost.
The combination of the pronounced central rib, short tang and large curved wing-like guards is characteristic of a documented group of bronze weapons from North-Western Iran and the South Caspian region.
At 59 cm in length and 468 g in weight, this is a particularly substantial example of the type.
The surface preserves an extensive ancient patina with green, brown and reddish oxidation, together with mineral deposits and encrustations.
Comparable examples are discussed in:
Oscar White Muscarella, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp. 99–100, nos. 164–165.
Important:
The attribution and dating are based on stylistic and typological comparison with published archaeological and museum parallels.
Seller's Story
We are a gallery specialising in ancient art and archaeology, founded on a deep passion for history and the civilisations of the past.
Our work focuses on the research and careful selection of material evidence from the great civilisations of antiquity, with a particular interest in the Classical world, Etruscan, Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, and the Ancient Near East.
Our philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of objects that stand out not merely for their age, but also for their rarity, distinctive forms, historical significance and artistic merit. We favour unusual and carefully selected antiquities, often offering fascinating insights into lesser-known aspects of ancient civilisations.
Each object is thoughtfully selected and studied for its historical, stylistic and archaeological characteristics, with the aim of offering collectors authentic pieces of particular interest.
We believe that every antiquity holds a story, and that our role is to preserve, appreciate and pass on these remarkable testimonies of the past to a new generation of collectors.
Expertise, research, discerning selection and a passion for the ancient world are the principles that guide our work.
Every object has a story to tell.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Middle Eastern
Century/timeframe
Iron Age Date: circa 8th–7th century BC
Name of object
Bronze 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.
